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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 46a

What are the molecular weights of the following pharmaceuticals? (a) C33H35FN2O5 (atorvastatin, lowers blood cholesterol)

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Key Concepts

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

Molecular Weight Calculation

Molecular weight, or molar mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It is calculated by multiplying the number of each type of atom by its atomic weight (from the periodic table) and summing these values. For example, in atorvastatin (C33H35FN2O5), you would calculate the contributions from carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, nitrogen, and oxygen to find the total molecular weight.
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Chemical Formula Interpretation

A chemical formula provides information about the types and numbers of atoms in a molecule. In the formula C33H35FN2O5, 'C' represents carbon atoms, 'H' represents hydrogen, 'F' is fluorine, 'N' is nitrogen, and 'O' is oxygen. The subscripts indicate the quantity of each atom, which is essential for accurately determining the molecular weight and understanding the molecule's structure.
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Periodic Table of Elements

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Each element has a unique atomic weight, which is crucial for calculating molecular weights. Familiarity with the periodic table allows students to quickly find the atomic weights needed for the molecular weight calculation of compounds like atorvastatin.
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