Question

Calculate the empirical formula for each of the following natural flavors based on their elemental mass percent composition.

A)- nitroglycerin (used medically as a vasodilator to treat heart conditions): C 15.87%H 2.22%N 18.50%O 63.41%.

B)- vanillin (responsible for the taste and smell of vanilla): C 63.15%H 5.30%O 31.55%.

Answer 1

Answer:

Nitroglycerin- CNH2O3

Vanilin- C3H3O

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest formula of a compound. It depicts the ratio of atoms of each element in the compound. It can be obtained by dividing the percentage by mass of each element by its relative atomic mass. The lowest ratio obtained is now used to divide all the previously obtained ratios and whole number values are recorded. This shows the ratio of atoms of each element present, hence the empirical formula.