The boiling point of another member of this homologous series was found to be 309 K \rm K. What is the likely molecular formula for this compound?

C5H12 because the boiling point falls between Butane (C4H10) and Hexane's (C6H14) boiling points. The only compound that falls between the two is pentane

C5H12

To determine the likely molecular formula for the compound with a boiling point of 309 K, we need some additional information. The boiling point alone is not sufficient to deduce the molecular formula accurately.

However, if you have the molecular formula or the number of carbon atoms in the compound, we can make an educated guess. Homologous series refers to a group of compounds with similar chemical properties and a gradual increase in molecular size. In such series, each subsequent member differs by a constant unit, often -CH2 group.

If you provide the molecular formula or the number of carbon atoms in the compound, I can help you determine the likely molecular formula.

To determine the likely molecular formula for a compound, we need to understand the concept of homologous series and how it relates to boiling points.

Homologous series refers to a group of organic compounds that have similar chemical properties and follow a specific pattern in their molecular formula. In such a series, each compound can be obtained by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms in the previous compound with a specific functional group, while keeping the rest of the molecular structure the same.

The boiling points of compounds in a homologous series tend to increase as the number of carbon atoms in the molecular formula increases. This is because longer carbon chains have more surface area and experience stronger van der Waals forces, which require more energy to break and therefore have higher boiling points.

Given that the boiling point of the compound in question is 309 K, we can make some assumptions based on the general trend in boiling points for homologous series. However, we need more information to narrow down the possibilities and determine the exact molecular formula.

To determine the molecular formula, it would be useful to know if the compound belongs to a specific homologous series, such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, or carboxylic acids. Additionally, information about the functional groups or any other properties of the compound would help in making a more accurate conclusion.

Without this additional information, it is difficult to determine the exact molecular formula of the compound. However, based on the provided boiling point, we can make a broad estimation that the compound could belong to a homologous series with a moderate number of carbon atoms, such as alkanes or alkenes.

To obtain a more precise answer, we would need more details about the compound's properties or structural information.