The boiling point of another member of this homologous series was found to be 309 K. What is the likely molecular formula for this compound?
How many carbon atoms would you expect this new compound to have if its boiling point is between that of a four-carbon alkane and that of a six-carbon alkane?
Have you omitted part of the problem? If you are referring to "this" compound as the new compound, I would think pentane. If you are referring to the original compound, you haven't provided enough information.
http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/501hcboilingpts.html
I would expect a 5 C chain.
C5H12
To determine the likely molecular formula for the compound with a boiling point of 309 K, we need to consider the boiling points of other compounds in the same homologous series.
First, we know that the boiling point of a substance generally increases as the molecular weight increases. This trend is observed in alkanes, which are a type of hydrocarbon.
Now, you mentioned that the boiling point of this compound is between that of a four-carbon alkane and a six-carbon alkane. Let's consider the boiling points of some common alkanes to help us understand the trend:
- Methane (CH4): Boiling point = 111 K
- Ethane (C2H6): Boiling point = 184 K
- Propane (C3H8): Boiling point = 231 K
- Butane (C4H10): Boiling point = 273 K
- Pentane (C5H12): Boiling point = 309 K
- Hexane (C6H14): Boiling point = 341 K
Based on the given information, we can conclude that the new compound has a boiling point of 309 K, which is the same as pentane (C5H12).
Therefore, the likely molecular formula for this compound is C5H12.
To determine the number of carbon atoms in the compound, we can refer to the molecular formula which indicates that there are five carbon atoms (C5H12).
To determine the likely molecular formula for a compound with a boiling point of 309 K, we need to consider the boiling points of other members of the homologous series and the relationship between boiling points and the number of carbon atoms in the compound.
In a homologous series, compounds have similar chemical properties and successive members differ by a repeating unit. One such example is the alkane series, where each member differs by one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms (CH2).
Considering the boiling points of other members in the alkane series, we can see that as the number of carbon atoms increases, the boiling point generally increases as well. So, if the boiling point of the compound in question falls between that of a four-carbon alkane and a six-carbon alkane, we can conclude that the new compound likely has either five or six carbon atoms.
Therefore, the likely molecular formula for this compound would be either C5H12 or C6H14, depending on the specific boiling points of the four-carbon and six-carbon alkanes. The molecular formula will be more precise once the boiling points of those specific alkanes are known and compared to the boiling point of the compound in question.