Molecule contains carbon, hydrogen and sulfur atoms. When a sample of 0.535g of this compound is burnt in oxygen, 1.119 g of CO2and 0.229 gof H2O and 0.407g of SO2are obtained. Calculate its empirical formula.

The empirical formula is, C4H4S

Explanation:

Number of moles of carbon = 1.119 g/ 44g/mol = 0.025 moles

Mass of Carbon= 0.025 moles × 12 g/ mole = 0.3 g

Number of moles of hydrogen = 0.229/18g/mol × 2 = 0.025 moles

Mass of hydrogen = 0.025 moles × 1 = 0.025 g

Number of moles of sulphur = 0.407g/ 64 g/mol = 0.0064 moles

Mass of sulphur= 0.0064 moles ×32 = 0.2 g

Now we obtain the mole ratios by dividing through by the lowest ratio.

C- 0.025 moles/ 0.0064 moles, H- 0.025 moles/ 0.0064 moles, S- 0.0064 moles/0.0064 moles

C4H4S