What is the mole ratio of NaOH to C8H8O3 in this reaction?

[JM92]

Homework Statement

We are given the fact that 0.12 mol NaOH reacts with 0.015 mol methyl salicylate (C₈H₈O₃) to form disodium salicylate (C₇H₄Na₂O₃). We're asked to calculate the mole ratio of NaOH to C₈H₈O₃, identify the limiting reagents, and find the theoretical yield.

Homework Equations

n/a

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought I could just divide the mole values given and get 8 NaOH :1 C₈H₈O₃, but the equation doesn't make sense in those ratios.

(I also found out through Google that water H₂O and methanol CH₃OH are byproducts of the reaction, but that wasn't given to us so maybe it's irrelevant to solving the questions. Anyway, if we consider the byproducts, the mole ratio I want would be 2 NaOH : 1 C₈H₈O₃).

Would the only way to answer this be to figure out the balanced equation?

 

[SteamKing]

Yes, you must figure out the balanced chemical equation, especially if you want to find the limiting reagent in this reaction and calculate the theoretical yield. The Magic 8 Ball will be no help to you here.

 

[chemisttree]

(I also found out through Google that water H₂O and methanol CH₃OH are byproducts of the reaction, but that wasn't given to us so maybe it's irrelevant to solving the questions. Anyway, if we consider the byproducts, the mole ratio I want would be 2 NaOH : 1 C₈H₈O₃).

An excellent start.