How do i determine the molecular formula of an unknown compound?

Question

in the sense of analysis. Which instruments can be utilized?

Answer 1

to cut a long story short, two methods-
Mass spectrometry, determining the molecular mass of the compound, as well as elemental analysis-determining the ratio of elements in your compound.

Answer 2

Assume a compound known to contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. You can burn it in an analyzer to CO2 and H2O, which can be weighed. There are nitrogen analyzers in case you have N also. From the weights, you can calculate %C and %H, assuming %O by difference. Dividing by atomic weights of C, H, and O gives you the empirical formula. If the compound is a liquid, you can get the molecular weight by measuring vapor density (22.4L/mol). If a solid, you can get molecular weight by mixing with camphor, which has a large molal freezing (melting) point depression. The molecular weight tells you what number to multiply the empirical formula to get the molecular formula. For example, maybe CH x 6 = C6H6. If you have other elements, there are other analyzers. There are also "wet" methods to determine other elements.

Answer 3

if the only component to procure is CO2 and H20 you have have been given to have an organic and organic compound like CxHx or CxHxOx yet thats the only component i can assert. As a chemistry scholar i can assert i've got on no account considered a difficulty like this