Chapter 3: Problem 49
The molar mass of caffeine is \(194.19 \mathrm{~g}\). Is the molecular formula of caffeine \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{~N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) or \(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{~N}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{2} ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The molecular formula for caffeine is \(C_{8}H_{10}N_{4}O_{2}\)
Step by step solution
01
Find the molar mass for each element of the first formula
For the first formula \(C_{4}H_{5}N_{2}O\), we can calculate the molar mass as follow: 4 * mass of Carbon (C) + 5 * mass of Hydrogen (H) + 2 * mass of Nitrogen (N) + 1 * mass of Oxygen (O) = 4 * 12.01g/mol + 5 * 1.01g/mol + 2 * 14.01g/mol + 1 * 16.00g/mol = 48.04g/mol + 5.05g/mol + 28.02g/mol + 16.00g/mol = 97.11 g/mol.
02
Find the molar mass for each element of the second formula
For the second formula \(C_{8}H_{10}N_{4}O_{2}\), we can calculate the molar mass as follow: 8 * mass of Carbon (C) + 10 * mass of Hydrogen (H) + 4 * mass of Nitrogen (N) + 2 * mass of Oxygen (O) = 8 * 12.01g/mol + 10 * 1.01g/mol + 4 * 14.01g/mol + 2 * 16.00g/mol = 96.08g/mol + 10.1g/mol + 56.04g/mol + 32.00g/mol = 194.22 g/mol.
03
Compare to the Given Molar Mass
Comparing the computed molar masses of the given formulas to the given molar mass of caffeine \(194.19 g/mol\), we see that the molar mass of the second formula \(C_{8}H_{10}N_{4}O_{2}\) closely matches the given molar mass.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Molar Mass Calculation
Calculating the molar mass of a compound is a key concept when trying to determine its molecular formula. This involves summing up the molar masses of all atoms present within a molecule of the compound. For example, let's determine the molar mass for the empirical formula \(C_4H_5N_2O\):
Next, if we perform a similar calculation for the formula \(C_8H_{10}N_4O_2\), we get:
- Carbon: 4 atoms \(\times\) 12.01 g/mol = 48.04 g/mol
- Hydrogen: 5 atoms \(\times\) 1.01 g/mol = 5.05 g/mol
- Nitrogen: 2 atoms \(\times\) 14.01 g/mol = 28.02 g/mol
- Oxygen: 1 atom \(\times\) 16.00 g/mol = 16.00 g/mol
Next, if we perform a similar calculation for the formula \(C_8H_{10}N_4O_2\), we get:
- Carbon: 8 atoms \(\times\) 12.01 g/mol = 96.08 g/mol
- Hydrogen: 10 atoms \(\times\) 1.01 g/mol = 10.1 g/mol
- Nitrogen: 4 atoms \(\times\) 14.01 g/mol = 56.04 g/mol
- Oxygen: 2 atoms \(\times\) 16.00 g/mol = 32.00 g/mol
Caffeine Molecular Structure
Caffeine has an intricate molecular structure that is crucial to understanding its properties and functions. Its chemical structure is represented as \(C_8H_{10}N_4O_2\). This formula provides us with essential information about the arrangement of different atoms within a caffeine molecule. Caffeine belongs to a class of compounds known as alkaloids, which often contain nitrogen and are found in plants.
The structure can be broken down as follows:
The structure can be broken down as follows:
- 8 Carbon atoms form the backbone of the molecule, creating a framework that supports other atoms.
- 10 Hydrogen atoms are distributed throughout, potentially influencing the molecule's interactions with water and other substances.
- 4 Nitrogen atoms contribute to caffeine’s unique chemical properties, including its basicity and ability to interact with biological molecules like DNA.
- 2 Oxygen atoms play a role in defining the molecule’s reactivity and solubility characteristics.
Elemental Composition Analysis
Elemental composition analysis can be a powerful tool in validating the empirical or molecular formula of a compound, such as caffeine. This analysis revolves around identifying and quantifying the constituent elements within a molecule.
To break this down, the elemental composition of caffeine as \(C_8H_{10}N_4O_2\) comprises carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen:
To break this down, the elemental composition of caffeine as \(C_8H_{10}N_4O_2\) comprises carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen:
- Carbon (C\(_8\)) makes up a sizable portion of the mass, reflecting its role in building the molecular framework.
- Hydrogen (H\(_{10}\)), while lighter, occurs in larger numbers, affecting molecular weight and geometry.
- Nitrogen (N\(_4\)) is crucial for defining the compound as an amine, often found in biological contexts.
- Oxygen (O\(_2\)) is significant due to its electronegativity, contributing to hydrogen bonding and solubility.