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Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry
Chapter 3, Problem 53c

Determine the empirical and molecular formulas of each of the following substances: (c) Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer in certain foods, contains 35.51% C, 4.77% H, 37.85% O, 8.29% N, and 13.60% Na, and has a molar mass of 169 g/mol.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Empirical Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. To determine it, the percentage composition of each element is converted to moles, and then the mole ratios are simplified to the smallest integers. This formula provides insight into the basic composition of the substance without indicating the actual number of atoms in a molecule.
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Molecular Formula

The molecular formula indicates the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of a compound. It can be derived from the empirical formula by multiplying the subscripts by a whole number, which is determined by dividing the compound's molar mass by the molar mass of the empirical formula. This formula gives a complete picture of the molecular structure and composition.
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Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule based on the molecular formula. Knowing the molar mass is essential for converting between grams and moles, which is crucial for determining both empirical and molecular formulas in chemical analysis.
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