O Level Chemistry: Mole Concepts / Chemical Calculations

Below is a common Mole Calculation question on finding the Empirical and then Molecular Formulae of a compound. Do make sure you can amswer this one as it is a very common examination question that warrant a couple of important marks. I said Important because this is not a really tough question and we should score full marks for it.

Example:
Compound Y contains 40.0% carbon, 6.6% hydrogen and 53.3% oxygen. It has a relative molecular mass of 180. What is the molecular formula of Y?

Tips:
1st Step – Find the mass of each component by taking a basis of 100g
2nd Step – Find the empirical formula
3rd Step – Find the molecular formula

Please leave your working and answers in the “Comment” section directly below this post.

PS: “Either You Practice & Utilize It, or You Loose It!”

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3 Responses to O Level Chemistry: Mole Concepts / Chemical Calculations
  1. Jennifer
    March 8, 2008 | 11:50 pm

    Element C H O
    Mass of Element 40 6.6 53.3
    Ar 12 1 16
    no. of mol 3.33 6.6 3.33
    molar ratio 1 2 1

    hence empirical formula: CH2O

    n
    = 180/(12+2+16=30)
    =6

    therefore molecular formula of Y: C6H12O6

    Reply

  2. sean
    March 9, 2008 | 11:44 pm

    You are spot on. The molecular formulae is indeed C6H12O6.
    This is actually a Sugar compound.

    Reply

  3. botlhe
    April 26, 2011 | 5:26 am

    thanx helped a lot

    Reply

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