What is the molecular formula for a compound with 13.33% carbon, 4.44% hydrogen, 46.67% nitrogen, and 35.56% oxygen?

Answer 1

Convert % to moles by assuming we have 100 g of material. Then % is the same as grams.

moles C = 13.33 g x 1 mol C/12 g = 1.11 moles C

moles H = 4.44 g x 1 mol H/1 g = 4.44 moles H

moles N = 46.67 g x 1 mol/14 g = 3.33 moles N

moles O = 35.56 g x 1 mol/16 g = 2.22 moles O

Now divide by the smallest value to try to all to be whole numbers:

1.11 mol C/1.11 = 1 mol C

4.44 mol H/1.11 = 4 mol H

3.33 mol N/1.11 = 3 mol N

2.22 mol O/1.11 = 2 mol O

Formula = CH₄N₃O₂