The food flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) has the composition 13.6% Na, 35.5% C, 4.8% H, 8.3% N and 37.8% O by mass. What is the empirical formula of MSG?

C₅H₈NO₄Na

Explanation:

Step 1: Given data

Step 2: Divide each percentage by the atomic mass of the element

Na: 13.6/22.99 = 0.592

C: 35.5/12.01 = 2.96

H: 4.8/1.01 = 4.75

N: 8.3/14.00 = 0.592

O: 37.8/16.00 = 2.36

Step 3: Divide all the number by the smallest one, i.e. 0.592

Na: 0.592/0.592 = 1

C: 2.96/0.592 = 5

H: 4.75/0.592 ≈ 8

N: 0.592/0.592 = 1

O: 2.36/0.592 ≈ 4

The empirical formula of MSG is C₅H₈NO₄Na.

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