Nicotine is an alkaloid and a component of cigarettes that contribute to the addictive properties of tobacco. Mass analysis reveals that it has the empirical formula C₅H₇N. If the molar mass is 162.23 g/mol, which molecular formula is correct? A)C₅H₇N B)C₁₀H₁₄N₂ C)C₇H₉N₃ D)C₁₅H₂₁N₃ E)C₂₀H₂₈N₄

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula mass of C₅H₇N is approximately 81.12 g/mol. Dividing the molar mass (162.23 g/mol) by the empirical formula mass gives approximately 2, indicating the molecular formula is twice the empirical formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂.

Nicotine Is an Alkaloid and a Component of Cigarettes That