Nicotine is a stimulant drug that contains carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The mass percent of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in nicotine is 74.03%, 8.698%, and 17.267%, respectively. If the molar mass of nicotine is 162.23 g, determine its molecular formula.

Question

​Nicotine is a stimulant drug that contains carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The mass percent of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in nicotine is 74.03%, 8.698%, and 17.267%, respectively. If the molar mass of nicotine is 162.23 g, determine its molecular formula.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula based on mass percentages is C₅H₇N. The empirical formula mass is approximately 81.12 g/mol. Dividing the molar mass of nicotine (162.23 g/mol) by the empirical formula mass gives a factor of 2, indicating the molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₄N₂.

​Nicotine Is a Stimulant Drug That Contains Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen

Nicotine Is a Stimulant Drug That Contains Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen