A compound known to contain platinum, nitrogen, and hydrogen was analyzed and found to contain 74.1% Pt and 21.3% N; the remainder was hydrogen. What is the empirical formula for the compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, calculate the moles of each element based on their percentages and atomic masses. For Pt (195.08 g/mol), N (14.01 g/mol), and H (1.008 g/mol): Pt: 74.1% / 195.08 = 0.38 moles, N: 21.3% / 14.01 = 1.52 moles, H: 100% - 74.1% - 21.3% = 4.6% / 1.008 = 4.56 moles. The ratio of Pt:N:H is approximately 1:4:12, making the empirical formula PtN4H12.

A Compound Known to Contain Platinum, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen Was