Solution Found!
These compounds are found in many natural flavors and scents. Calculate the empirical
Chapter 6, Problem 93P(choose chapter or problem)
These compounds are found in many natural flavors and scents. Calculate the empirical formula for each compound.
(a) ethyl butyrate (pineapple oil): C, 62.04%; H, 10.41%; O, 27.55%
(b) methyl butyrate (apple flavor): C, 58.80%; H, 9.87%; O, 31.33%
(c) benzyl acetate (oil of jasmine): C, 71.98%; H, 6.71%; O, 21.31%
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
These compounds are found in many natural flavors and scents. Calculate the empirical formula for each compound.
(a) ethyl butyrate (pineapple oil): C, 62.04%; H, 10.41%; O, 27.55%
(b) methyl butyrate (apple flavor): C, 58.80%; H, 9.87%; O, 31.33%
(c) benzyl acetate (oil of jasmine): C, 71.98%; H, 6.71%; O, 21.31%
ANSWER:
Solution 93P
Here, we are going to calculate the empirical formula for the given compounds.
Step1:
Empirical formula gives the simplest ratio of elements in a compound.
Step2:
- In order to determine the whole number ratio of C, H and O in the formula, the following table is drawn:
Element |
% |
Relative number of atoms(% / atomic mass) |
Simple ratio |
Whole number ratio |
C |
62.04 |
62.04/12 = 5.17 |
5.17/1.72 = 3.01 |
3 |
H |
10.41 |
10.41/1 = 10.41 |
10.41/1.72 = 6.05 |
6 |
O |
27.55 |
27.55/16 = 1.72 |
1.72/1.72 = 1 |