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Vanillin is the compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that gives vani

ID: 954802 • Letter: V

Question

Vanillin is the compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that gives vanilla beans their distinctive flavor. The combustion of 30.4 mg of vanillin produces 70.4 mg of CO2 and 14.4 mg of H2O. The mass spectrum of vanillin shows a molecular-ion line at 152 AMU. Use this information to determine the molecular formula of vanillin. PLEASE show every step of your work. I desperately need help. Vanillin is the compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that gives vanilla beans their distinctive flavor. The combustion of 30.4 mg of vanillin produces 70.4 mg of CO2 and 14.4 mg of H2O. The mass spectrum of vanillin shows a molecular-ion line at 152 AMU. Use this information to determine the molecular formula of vanillin. PLEASE show every step of your work. I desperately need help.

Explanation / Answer

Mass of Carbon obtained from 30.4 mg Vanillin = (70.4/44 )x12 = 19.2 Mg

Mass of hydrogen obtained from 30.4 mg Vanillin   = (14.4/18)x2 = 1.6 mg

Mass of oxygen obtained from 30.4 mg Vanillin = 30.4 -19.2 -0.8 = 9.6 mg

                                 C                          H                           O

       mass                    19.2                       1.6                        9.6

Divide by atomic mass    19.2/12               1.6/1                       9.6/16

                                     =1.6                     =1.6                          =0.6

divide each by smallest     1.6/0.60                1.6/0.60                     0.60/0.60

                                       ~ 8/3                   ~ 8/3                       1

convert to simplest whole number ratios

                                          8                            8                         3

The empirical formula = C8H8O3