The molecular formula of allicin, the compound responsible for the characteristic smell of garlic, is C₆H₁₀OS₂. a. What is the molar mass of allicin?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic masses of each element in the molecular formula of allicin. Use the periodic table to find the atomic masses for carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and sulfur (S).
2. Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of atoms of that element in the molecular formula. For allicin, this means multiplying the atomic mass of carbon by 6, hydrogen by 10, oxygen by 1, and sulfur by 2.
3. Add the total masses from each element together to find the total molar mass of the molecule. This is done by adding the products from the previous step.
4. Ensure the units are consistent and expressed in grams per mole (g/mol), which is the standard unit for molar mass.
5. Double-check your calculations for any possible errors to ensure the accuracy of the molar mass.

Key Concepts

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 molecular formula. For allicin (C6H10OS2), the molar mass can be determined by multiplying the number of each type of atom by its respective atomic mass and adding these values together.

Atomic Mass

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu). Each element has a specific atomic mass that can be found on the periodic table. For calculating molar mass, the atomic masses of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and sulfur (S) are essential, as they contribute to the overall mass of the compound.

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula indicates the number and types of atoms in a molecule, providing insight into its composition. For allicin, the molecular formula C6H10OS2 reveals that it contains six carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, one oxygen atom, and two sulfur atoms. Understanding the molecular formula is crucial for calculating the molar mass and for identifying the compound's chemical properties.