(a) Give one example of naturally-occurring acids (b) If 0.5 mole of a mono-alkanoic acid weighs 44g, determine the molecular formula and the name of the ac...
Question 1 Report
(a) Give one example of naturally-occurring acids
(b) If 0.5 mole of a mono-alkanoic acid weighs 44g, determine the molecular formula and the name of the acid. (H = 1, C = 12, O = 16)
Answer Details
(a) A naturally-occurring acid
Ethanoic acid (found in vinegar). Other acceptable examples are methanoic acid (in ant stings), citric acid (in citrus fruits) and lactic acid (in sour milk).
(b) Molecular formula and name of the acid
\[\text{molar mass} = \frac{44}{0.5} = 88\,g\,mol^{-1}\]
A mono-alkanoic (monocarboxylic) acid has the general formula CnH2nO2, whose molar mass is 14n + 32.
\[14n + 32 = 88 \Rightarrow 14n = 56 \Rightarrow n = 4\]
Molecular formula = C4H8O2 (that is, C3H7COOH).
Name of the acid: butanoic acid.
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