A certain compound has the percent composition (by mass) 85.63% C and 14.37% H. The molar mass of the compound is 42.0 g/mol. Calculate the empirical formula and the molecular formula.

The molecular formula is C3H6

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Suppose the compound has a mass of 100 grams

The compound contains:

85.63 % C = 85.63 grams C

14.37 % H = 14.37 grams H

Molar mass C = 12.01 g/mol

Molar mass H = 1.01 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate moles

Moles = grams / molar mass

Moles C = 85.63 grams / 12.01 g/mol

Moles C = 7.130 moles

Moles H = 14.37 grams / 1.01 g/mol

Moles H = 14.2 moles

Step 3: Calculate the mol ratio

We divide by the smallest amount of moles

C: 7.130 moles / 7.130 moles = 1

H = 14.2 moles / 7.130 moles = 2

The empirical formula is CH2

The molar mass of CH2 = 14 g/mol

Step 4: Calculate molecular formula

We have to multiply the empirical formula by n

n = 42 / 14 = 3

n*(CH2) = C3H6

The molecular formula is C3H6