The simplest formula for vitamin C is C3H4O3. Experimental data indicates that the molecular mass of vitamin C is about 180. What is the molecular formula of vitamin C?

Answer 1

Using the simplest (empirical) formula, first determine the masses of the atoms: (3 x 12) + (4 x 1) + (3 x 16) = 88.

So the relative formula mass is a multiple of 88. To see which multiple, we divide the experimental #M_r# by the empirical formula mass. 180/88 = 2.04 and round this to a whole number = 2

So the molecular formula is 2x the simplest formula: #C_6H_8O_6# giving an #M_r# of 176 which is close to the experimental value.

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Answer 2

Axel Alvarado

The molecular formula of vitamin C is (C_6H_{8}O_6).

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.