Allicin is the compound responsible for the characteristic smell of Garlic. An analysis of the compound gives the following percent composition by mass; C = 44.4 percent, H = 6.21 percent. S = 39.5 percent, O = 9086 percent. Calculate its empirical formula. What is its molecular formula given that its molar mass is about 162 g?

The empirical formula is same as the molecular formula = C6H10S2O

Explanation:

we start by dividing the percentage of each of the elements by their atomic mass

Carbon = 44.4/12 = 3.7

Hydrogen = 6.21/1 = 6.21

Sulphur = 39.5/32 = 1.234375

oxygen = 9.89/16 = 0.618125

That of oxygen is smallest so we divide all by that of oxygen

C = 3.7 / 0.618125 = 6

H = 6.21 / 0.618125 = 10

S = 1.234375 / 0.618125 = 2

Automatically, oxygen is 1

So the empirical formula is;

C6H10S2O

Let's get its molecular formula. We multiply each of the subscript by the number;

(72 + 10 + 64 + 16) n = 162

162n = 162

n = 1

So the molecular formula is same as the empirical formula