Chapter 10, Problem 14STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The molecular formula for the given compound and its molar mass need to be determined.

Concept Introduction: From the structural formula of a compound, the molecular formula can be calculated by counting the number of atoms of different elements present in it. After knowing the number and type of atoms of the element present in the compound and their respective atomic masses, the molar mass of the molecule can be calculated.

Answer to Problem 14STP

  $74\text{ g/mol}$

Explanation of Solution

The given structural formula of the compound is as follows:

  

From the above structure, it can be seen that there are three carbon atoms, two oxygen atoms, and six hydrogen atoms. Thus, the molecular formula of the compound will be ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_6{\text{O}}_2$ .

The atomic mass of C, H, and O is 12 g/mol, 1 g/mol, and 16 g/mol respectively; thus, the molecular formula of the compound will be:

  $\begin{array}{c}{\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_6{\text{O}}_2=3\left(12\text{ g/mol}\right)+6\left(1\text{ g/mol}\right)+2\left(16\text{ g/mol}\right)\\ =\left(\text{36+6+32}\right)\text{ g/mol}\\ =74\text{ g/mol}\end{array}$

Thus, the molar mass of the compound is $74\text{ g/mol}$ .