Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

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Brown 15th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 50a

Chapter 2, Problem 50a

Determine the molecular and empirical formulas of the following: (a) the organic solvent benzene, which has six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms

Verified step by step guidance

Determine the molecular formula: The molecular formula represents the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule. For benzene, you are given that it contains six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the molecular formula is C_6H_6.

Determine the empirical formula: The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. For benzene, both carbon and hydrogen are in a 1:1 ratio (since 6:6 simplifies to 1:1). Therefore, the empirical formula is CH.

Verify the empirical formula: To ensure the empirical formula is correct, check that the ratio of atoms in the empirical formula matches the simplest ratio of the molecular formula. In this case, C_6H_6 simplifies to CH, confirming the empirical formula is correct.

Understand the difference: Remember that the molecular formula provides the exact number of atoms, while the empirical formula gives the simplest ratio. For benzene, the molecular formula is C_6H_6, and the empirical formula is CH.

Conclude: Benzene's molecular formula is C_6H_6, and its empirical formula is CH, reflecting the simplest ratio of carbon to hydrogen in the compound.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound indicates the actual number of each type of atom present in a molecule. For benzene, which consists of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms, the molecular formula is C6H6. This formula provides insight into the composition of the molecule and is essential for understanding its chemical properties.

Empirical Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. For benzene, the molecular formula C6H6 can be simplified to CH, indicating that the ratio of carbon to hydrogen is 1:1. The empirical formula is useful for understanding the basic composition of a compound without detailing the actual number of atoms.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon and are characterized by the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds. Benzene is a classic example of an organic compound, known for its ring structure and stability due to resonance. Understanding the nature of organic compounds is crucial for studying their chemical behavior and reactions.

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How many of the indicated atoms are represented by each chemical formula: (a) carbon atoms in C₄H₉COOCH₃

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