The molecular mass of butryic acid was determined by experiment to be 88 amu. what is the molecular formula?

Solution

To calculate the molecular formula. Empirical formula mass (C₂H₄O)

equals space 2 cross times 12 plus 4 cross times 1 plus 1 cross times 16 equals space 44 space amu.

Molecular mass = 88 amu [given]
Hence,

straight n equals fraction numerator Molecular space mass over denominator Empirical space formula space mass end fraction

equals space 88 over 44 equals 2

therefore space space space Molecular space formula space of space the space compound space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space equals left parenthesis Empirical space formula right parenthesis subscript straight n space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space equals left parenthesis straight C subscript 2 straight H subscript 4 space straight O right parenthesis subscript 2 space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space equals straight C subscript 4 straight H subscript 8 straight O subscript 2 space

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