When two mole of an organic compound is burnt in oxygen, eight mole of carbon dioxide gas is formed - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 15 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 15
When two mole of an organic compound is burnt in oxygen, eight mole of carbon dioxide gas is formed. In a second test, when a few drops of bromine are added to the c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When two mole of an organic compound is burnt in oxygen, eight mole of carbon dioxide gas is formed - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 15 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the chemical reaction
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Answer
From the burning of the organic compound in oxygen, we know that 2 moles of the compound produce 8 moles of carbon dioxide. The general equation for combustion can be expressed as:
ightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$$
This tells us that the ratio of carbon in the compound to carbon dioxide produced is a crucial component.
Step 2
Calculate the carbon content
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Answer
Since 8 moles of CO₂ are produced, this implies there are 8 moles of carbon in 2 moles of the compound. Thus, for 1 mole of the compound, there must be 4 moles of carbon:
rac{8 ext{ moles CO}_2}{2 ext{ moles compound}} = 4 ext{ moles C per mole of compound}
Step 3
Determine hydrogen content
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Next, we relate the number of hydrogen atoms to the general formula. For alkanes, the general formula is CₙH₍₂ₙ₊₂₎. Given that there are 4 carbons in the compound:
For alkanes: A molecule with 4 carbon atoms would have:
extH=2(4)+2=10extH
Step 4
Evaluate the options
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Answer
The formula that corresponds with our findings (C₄H₁₀) does not directly match any options, but we note the closest related formula provided in the choices. The formula C₈H₁₈ indicates a saturated alkane with 8 carbon atoms, suggesting that it could satisfy both conditions given that the compound could also be a higher alkane. Thus, the best choice is: