A compound has an empirical formula CH2 and a molecular mass of 70.1 amu. What is the molecular formula?

Molecular formula = C₅H₁₀

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Empirical formula of compound => CH₂

Molar mass of compound = 70.1 amu

Molecular formula of compound =...?

The molecular formula of a compound is usually a multiple (n) of the empirical formula i.e

Molecular formula = [CH₂]ₙ

Thus, to obtain the molecular formula of the compound, we must first determine the value of n. The value of n can be obtained as follow:

[CH₂]ₙ = 70.1

[12 + (2×1)]n = 70.1

[12 + 2]n = 70.1

14n = 70.1

Divide both side by 14

n = 70.1 / 14

n = 5

Molecular formula = [CH₂]ₙ

Molecular formula = [CH₂]₅

Molecular formula = C₅H₁₀

Thus, the Molecular formula of the compound is C₅H₁₀.