The boiling point of diethyl ether, CH3CH2OCH2CH3, is 34.500 °C at 1 atmosphere. Kb(diethyl ether) = 2.02 °C/m In a laboratory experiment, students synthesized a new compound and found that when 14.94 grams of the compound were dissolved in 279.5 grams of diethyl ether, the solution began to boil at 35.100 °C. The compound was also found to be nonvolatile and a non-electrolyte. What is the molecular weight they determined for this compound ?

The correct answer is 179.94 g/mol.

Explanation:

Based on the given question, the boiling point of diethyl ether us 34.500 degree C at 1 atm pressure. The boiling point of the solution given is 35.100 degree C. The Kb of diethyl ether given is 2.02 degree C/m. The weight of the compound given is 14.94 grams, the weight of the solvent (diethyl ether) is 279.5 grams.

The molecular weight of the compound can be determined by using the formula,

deltaTb = Kb * molality

Tb-To = Kb * molality

Tb-To = Kb*wt/mol.wt*1000/w (solvent)

35.100 - 34.500 = 2.02 * 14.94 / mol. wt * 1000 g / 279.5 g

0.6 = 2.02 * 53.45/ mol.wt

mol. wt = 2.02*53.45/0.6

mol. wt = 179.94 g/mol

Hence, the molecular weight of the compound is 179.94 gram per mol.