Question

The empirical formula of a hydrocarbon is C₂H3. The hydrocarbon has a relative molecular Mass of 54. (H = 1, C = 12)

1. Determine the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon. 
2. Draw the structural formulae of the hydrocarbon in (1) 
3. To which homologous series does the hydrocarbon in (2) above belong?

Answer 1

1. Determine the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon. 
   • (C₂H₃)x =54 
     x[12x2 + 3x1] =54
     24x+3x=54
     24x=54
     x = 54/27
     x=2
     (C₂H₃)2 =C₄H₆ 
2. Draw the structural formulae of the hydrocarbon in (1)
   • 
     
3. To which homologous series does the hydrocarbon in (2) above belong? 
4. Alkynes