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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 131

Combustion analysis of a 13.42-g sample of equilin (which contains only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) produces 39.61 g CO2 and 9.01 g H2O. The molar mass of equilin is 268.34 g/mol. Find its molecular formula.

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Key Concepts

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

Combustion Analysis

Combustion analysis is a technique used to determine the elemental composition of organic compounds. In this process, a sample is burned in excess oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. The masses of these products are measured, allowing for the calculation of the amounts of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the original sample.
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Combustion of Non-Hydrocarbons

Empirical Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. To find it, the moles of each element are calculated from the combustion products, and then the ratios are simplified. This formula is crucial for determining the molecular formula when combined with the molar mass of the compound.
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Empirical vs Molecular Formula

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 it by a whole number, which is determined by dividing the compound's molar mass by the molar mass of the empirical formula. This provides insight into the compound's structure and properties.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A metal (M) forms an oxide with the formula M2O. If the oxide contains 16.99% O by mass, what is the identity of the metal?

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Open Question
Estradiol is a female sexual hormone that is responsible for the maturation and maintenance of the female reproductive system. Elemental analysis of estradiol gives the following mass percent composition: C 79.37%, H 8.88%, O 11.75%. The molar mass of estradiol is 272.37 g/mol. Find the molecular formula of estradiol.
Textbook Question

Fructose is a common sugar found in fruit. Elemental analysis of fructose gives the following mass percent composition: C 40.00%, H 6.72%, O 53.28%. The molar mass of fructose is 180.16 g/mol. Find the molecular formula of fructose.

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Textbook Question

Estrone, which contains only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, is a female sexual hormone in the urine of pregnant women. Combustion analysis of a 1.893-g sample of estrone produces 5.545 g of CO2 and 1.388 g H2O. The molar mass of estrone is 270.36 g/mol. Find its molecular formula.

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Textbook Question

Epsom salts is a hydrated ionic compound with the following formula: MgSO4 • x H2O. A 4.93-g sample of Epsom salts is heated to drive off the water of hydration. The mass of the sample after complete dehydration is 2.41 g. Find the number of waters of hydration (x) in Epsom salts.

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Textbook Question

A hydrate of copper(II) chloride has the following formula: CuCl2 • x H2O. The water in a 3.41-g sample of the hydrate is driven off by heating. The remaining sample has a mass of 2.69 g. Find the number of waters of hydration (x) in the hydrate.

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