Derive the simplest formula for phosphorus sulfide, knowing that it contains 60.8% sulfur?
Given:
w% (S) = 60.8%
Find:
Formula -?
Solution:
1) Find the molecular weight of the compound by the formula:
w% (element) = Ar (element): Mr (substance) * 100%
Mr (substance) = Ar (element): w% (element) * 100%
We substitute the sulfur data:
Mr (substances) = 32: 60.8% * 100% = 53
2) Knowing the mass fraction of sulfur, we find its molecular weight in the composition and the number of atoms:
53 – 100%
x – 60.8%,
then x = 32 (1 action each).
N (S) = 32: Mr (S) = 1 atom.
3) Then the molecular weight of phosphorus accounts for 53 – 32 = 21
N (P) = 21: Mr (P) = 21: 31 = 2/3 atoms
We have obtained a substance with the simplest formula P2 / 3S. There is no such substance in nature, so we multiply the indices by 3. We get P2S3 – phosphorus sulfide 3.
Answer: P2S3 – phosphorus sulfide 3.