Chemistry Stoichiometry MDCAT 2012
PMDC Verified Question 101 of 105
An organic compound has empirical formula \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_3\text{O} \) if molar mass of the compound is 110.15. Molecular formula of this organic compound is:

(Atomic mass of C = 12, H = 1.008 and O = 16)
A
\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_6\text{O}_2 \)
B
\( \text{C}_8\text{H}_9\text{O}_3 \)
C
\( \text{C}_2\text{H}_2\text{O} \)
D
\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_6\text{O}_3 \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_6\text{O}_2 \)
Concept:

The molecular formula is a simple whole-number multiple of the empirical formula. The multiplier (n) is found by dividing the molecular mass by the empirical formula mass.

Formula:

$$ n = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{\text{Empirical Formula Mass}} $$

Solution:

  • First, calculate the Empirical Formula Mass of \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_3\text{O} \):


  • \( (3 \times 12) + (3 \times 1) + (1 \times 16) = 36 + 3 + 16 = 55 \text{ g/mol} \).


  • Given Molar Mass = \( 110.15 \approx 110 \text{ g/mol} \).


  • Calculate multiplier \( n = 110 / 55 = 2 \).


  • Molecular formula = \( 2 \times (\text{C}_3\text{H}_3\text{O}) = \text{C}_6\text{H}_6\text{O}_2 \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: Does not match the required \( n=2 \) multiplier.


  • Option C: Does not share the same empirical formula ratio.


  • Option D: Corresponds to an incorrect multiplication where oxygen was tripled instead of doubled.

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