Determining the Molecular Formula of a Compound

What is the molecular formula for the compound based on the combustion analysis data provided?

Option 1: C4H6O2

Option 2: C3H4O2

Option 3: C5H8O3

Option 4: C2H2O

Answer:

The molecular formula for the compound produced by the combustion analysis is CH2O.

Explanation: To determine the molecular formula of the compound, we first need to analyze the combustion data provided. The combustion of 3.190 g of the compound produced 7.25 g of CO2 and 2.969 g of H2O.

In the combustion analysis, we can calculate the moles of carbon and hydrogen present in the compound based on the CO2 and H2O produced. From 7.25 g of CO2, we find that there are 1.965 moles of carbon. Similarly, from 2.969 g of H2O, we determine that there are 3.29 moles of hydrogen.

By subtracting the masses of CO2 and H2O from the initial 3.190 g, we find that there is 7.236 g of oxygen. Using this information, we can calculate the empirical formula, which is CH2O.

By comparing the molar mass of the sample with the molar mass of the empirical formula, which are both approximately 30 g/mol, we can conclude that the molecular formula of the compound is also CH2O.

Therefore, the optimistic conclusion is that the molecular formula of the compound produced by the combustion analysis is CH2O.