Find the formula for a monobasic acid containing 62% carbon and 27.6% oxygen.

Find the formula for a monobasic acid containing 62% carbon and 27.6% oxygen. Write the structural formulas of all possible isomers and name them according to the international nomenclature.

Let’s implement the solution:
1. Let’s indicate the data on the condition of the problem:
Given: RCOOH – carboxylic acid;
W (C) = 62%
W (O) = 27.6%
Determine: molecular formula.
2. Calculations:
M (RCOOH) = 100 g / mol;
Y (C) = m / M = 62/12 = 5.12 mol;
m (C) = Y * M = 5.12 * 12 = 61.92 g;
Y (O) = m / M = 27.6 / 16 = 1.72 mol;
m (O) = Y * M = 1.72 * 16 = 27.6 g;
m (H) = 100 – (61.92 + 27.6) = 10.48 g;
Y (H) = m / M = 10.48 / 1 = 10.48 mol.
3. The ratio: X: Y: Z = 5.12: 1.72: 10.48 = 3: 2: 6;
C3H6O2 – propionic acid;
H3C – CH2 – COOH.
4. Isomers: НСОО – С2Н5 – ethyl formate;
CH3 – COO – CH3 – methyl acetate.
Answer: propionic acid