How do you calculate empirical formula of a combustion?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 27, 2016

You might want rephrase this question.

Explanation:

Empirical formula are generally determined by combustion reactions. An accurate mass of hydrocarbon #C_nH_mN_nO_o# is dropped into a furnace. The combustion products. #CO_2#, #H_2O#, #NO_2# are shunted to a gas chromatograph. Their concentrations are compared to a standard, and a very accurate percentage composition with respect to #C#, #H#, #N#, may be determined.

Given these percentages, an empirical formula may be calculated. If the molecular mass is known or has been determined in a separate experiment, the molecular formula of the compound is thus available.

Related questions
See all questions in Empirical and Molecular Formulas
Impact of this question
2409 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License