Element | % composition | At. wt. | Relative no. of atoms | Simplest ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carbon | 82.8 | 12 | 82.8/12 = 6.9 | 6.9/6.9 = 1 × 2 = 2 |
Hydrogen | 100 – 82.8 = 17.2 | 1 | 17.2/1 = 17.2 | 17.2/6.9 = 2.5 × 2 = 5 |
C : H = 2 : 5
Simplest ratio of whole numbers = 2 : 5
Hence, the empirical formula is C2H5
Empirical formula weight = 2(12) + 5(1)
= 24 + 5 = 29
Vapour density (V.D.) = 29
Molecular weight = 2 × V.D.
= 2 × 29 = 58
n = Molecular\ weight\over Emperical\ Formula\ Weight
= 58\over 29 = 2
Molecular formula = (C2H5)2 = C4H10
Hence, Molecular formula = C4H10