Empirical formula of a compound is CH2O and its vapour density is 30. ...
- Vapour density (VD) = 30.
- Molecular weight = 2 × Vapour density = 2 × 30 = 60 g/mol.
- Empirical formula = CH2O.
- Empirical formula weight = 12 (C) + 2×1 (H) + 16 (O) = 30 g/mol.
- Molecular formula = n × Empirical formula, where n = Molecular weight / Empirical weight = 60 / 30 = 2.
- Molecular formula = 2 × (CH2O) = C2H4O2.
However, among the options, C2H4O has a molecular weight of 12×2 + 1×4 + 16 = 44 g/mol, which does not match the calculated molecular weight. This suggests a possible error in the options or question. Based on standard calculations, C2H4O2 (acetic acid) is expected, but since C2H4O is listed and commonly tested, it may be a contextual fit (e.g., acetaldehyde).
Empirical formula of a compound is CH2O and its vapour density is 30. ...
Understanding the Empirical and Molecular Formula
The empirical formula of a compound gives the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in the compound. In this case, the empirical formula is CH2O.
Calculating Molecular Weight from Vapour Density
Vapour density is used to determine the molecular weight of a compound. The molecular weight (MW) can be calculated using the formula:
MW = 2 × Vapour Density
Given that the vapour density is 30:
- MW = 2 × 30 = 60
Determining the Molecular Formula
To find the molecular formula, we need to compare the molecular weight to the empirical formula weight:
- The empirical formula CH2O has a molecular weight calculated as:
- C: 12 g/mol
- H: 2 g/mol × 2 = 4 g/mol
- O: 16 g/mol
- Total = 12 + 4 + 16 = 32 g/mol
Next, we can find how many times the empirical formula fits into the molecular weight:
- Ratio = Molecular Weight / Empirical Formula Weight = 60 / 32 = 1.875
Since the molecular formula must have whole-number ratios, we round 1.875 to 2 (the closest whole number).
Final Molecular Formula Calculation
To find the molecular formula, multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by this ratio:
- C: 1 × 2 = 2
- H: 2 × 2 = 4
- O: 1 × 2 = 2
Thus, the molecular formula is C2H4O2, which corresponds to option 'D'.
Conclusion
The correct option based on the calculations is C2H4O2, confirming the molecular formula derived from the empirical formula and vapour density.