Question

Phosphorus pentachloride, PCl5, a white solid that has a pungent, unpleasant odor, is used as a catalyst for certain organic reactions. Calculate the number of moles in 38.7 g of PCl5.

Answer 1

Answer:

0.186 moles

Explanation:

In order to convert grams of PCl₅ into moles, we need to use its molar mass:

• Molar Mass of PCl₅ = Molar mass of P + (Molar mass of Cl)*5

• Molar Mass of PCl₅ = 208.24 g/mol

Then we proceed to calculate the number of moles:

• 38.7 g ÷ 208.24 g/mol = 0.186 mol

• There are 0.186 moles of PCl₅ in 38.7 g of PCl₅.