The mass fraction of hydrogen in the hydrocarbon is 14-29% and its relative density for nitrogen is 2.

The mass fraction of hydrogen in the hydrocarbon is 14-29% and its relative density for nitrogen is 2. Determine the molecular formula of this hydrocarbon.

Decision:

The molecular weight of nitrogen is 28. Let’s find the molecular weight of the hydrocarbon:
28 * 2 = 56 g / mol;

The relative atomic mass of hydrogen is 1, carbon is 12.
Let’s find the molecular weight of hydrogen in the compound:
56 * 0.1429 = 8; (This means that there will be 8 hydrogen atoms in the compound)

Let’s find the molecular weight of carbon in the compound:
56 – 8 = 48;

Let’s find the number of carbon atoms:
48/12 = 4 atoms;

Answer: The chemical formula of the hydrocarbon is C4H8.