Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of plants of the species E. coca, whereas chocolate is extracted from the seeds of the species E. cacao. (Never confuse one with the other!) Calculate the molar mass of cocaine, assuming a molecular formula of C₁₇H₂₁NO₄.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecular formula of cocaine given in subscript notation is C17H21NO4. To calculate the molar mass, we sum the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule: C (12.01 g/mol) * 17 + H (1.008 g/mol) * 21 + N (14.01 g/mol) * 1 + O (16.00 g/mol) * 4 = 303.35 g/mol. This places the molar mass of cocaine in the range of 300 to 350 g/mol.

Cocaine Is Extracted from the Leaves of Plants of the Species