The empirical formula : C₁₀H₂₀O
Further explanation
Given
Combustion of menthol
Required
The empirical formula
Solution
Mass of CO₂ produced : 0.449 g
mass C = 12/44 x 0.449 = 0.122
Mass water produced : 0.1840 g
Mass H = 2.1/18 x 0.1840 = 0.02
Mass O in menthol :
=mass sample - (mass C+mass H)
= 0.1595 - (0.122+0.02)
= 0.0175
Mol ratio C : H : O in sample :
= 0.122/12 : 0.02/1 : 0.0175/16
= 0.01 : 0.02 : 0.001
= 10 : 20 : 1
