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riya03

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Could someone plz explain how to find the molecular formula from the question -

0.015 mol of a hydrocarbon has a mass of 0.63 g. calculate the molar weight of hydrocarbon and suggest a possible molecular formula for the hydrocarbon.

the molar weight is 42 g/mol, but how do i find the molecular formula?
 
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thongetsu

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mole = mass / molar mass

0.015 = 0.063 / M
M = 0.063 / 0.015
my molar weight was 4.2g :S
 

ibbi00

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I'm not sure you need/can find out the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon based on this information.
 
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riya03

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The molar weight is correct. According to the answers, the m.f is C3H6
 

riya03

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sorry, its 0.63

any help on how to find the m.f?
 

ibbi00

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You trial and error pretty much. If it's a hydrocarbon then it obviously must have carbon atoms in it. I would have approached the question by dividing the molar mass if the hydrocarbon by the molar mass of a single carbon atom. i.e, 42/12.01 = 3.497... So you assume there's 3 carbon atoms and the rest must be hydrogen. If it's a hydrcarbon then it must be an alkene, alkane or alkyne. So you start adding hydrogen atoms accordingly until u get the answer.
 
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