An amino acid contains 52.2% carbon, 9.3% hydrogen, 8.7% nitrogen and 29.8% oxygen by mass and has a relative molecular mass of 161 g/mol. What is its molecular formula? What functional groups must it have?

In 100g of compound, the amount of each element is given by: C: n = 52.2/12 = 4.35 H: n = 9.3/1 = 9.3 N: n = 8.7/14 = 0.621... O: n = 29.8/16 = 1.8625 Dividing through by the smallest amount (0.621) gives: C: 7.0048..., H: 14.9758..., N: 1, O: 2.9991... These are all very close to whole numbers so the empirical formula is C7H15NO3. This has a relative formula mass of 161 so the molecular formula is also C7H15NO3. As this compound is stated to be an amino acid it must contain both an amine and a carboxylic acid group.

GB
Answered by Georgina B. Chemistry tutor

2515 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does temperature affect the position of equilibrium if the reaction is exothermic?


What is the difference between E-Z isomers and optical isomers?


Explain the two assumptions involved in the Ka weak acid dissociation equation.


Describe how you could form ethyl ethanoate using only ethanol as the starting material. Include all relevant reagents and conditions.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences