Styrene and Bromine Reaction: Determining Molecular Formula

In summary, a 0.500 gram sample of styrene was allowed to react with an excess of bromine, resulting in an unknown product with a mass of 1.27 grams. This was repeated multiple times with the same result. The likely molecular formula of the product is C8H8Br2, based on simple stoichiometry and ratio of molar masses. It may be helpful to write a reaction equation and check if this formula fits the given numbers.
  • #1
amme636
4
0

Homework Statement



A student allowed a 0.500 gram sample of styrene to react with an excess of bromine.*
An unknown product with a mass of 1.27 grams was obtained.**The student repeated the experiment
several times and always obtained the same result.**What is the likely molecular formula of the product?***
Draw the most likely structure

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure what I'm doing here. Is it just C8H8Br2?
 
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  • #2
This is about a simple stoichiometry and ratio of molar masses. Have you tried to write a reaction equation, and check, if C8H8Br2 as a product fits the numbers given in the question?
 

FAQ: Styrene and Bromine Reaction: Determining Molecular Formula

What is a molecular formula?

A molecular formula is a representation of a molecule's chemical composition, showing the types and numbers of atoms present in one molecule.

How is a molecular formula determined?

A molecular formula is determined by analyzing the molecular weight and mass spectroscopy data of a compound. It can also be calculated from the empirical formula.

What information does a molecular formula provide?

A molecular formula provides information about the elements present in a molecule and the ratio of atoms in the molecule. It also gives the total number of atoms in the molecule.

What is the difference between a molecular formula and an empirical formula?

A molecular formula gives the actual number of atoms in a molecule, while an empirical formula gives the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule.

How do you write a molecular formula?

A molecular formula is written using the chemical symbols for the elements present in the molecule, with subscripts to indicate the number of each element. The elements are listed in a specific order: carbon, hydrogen, then all other elements in alphabetical order.

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