Determine the empirical formula for the compound with the molecular formula B2Cl4.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the empirical formula of a compound, we need to simplify the molecular formula by finding the smallest whole number ratio of the elements involved.
Given the molecular formula B2Cl4, the number of atoms of each element is as follows:
- Boron (B): 2 atoms
- Chlorine (Cl): 4 atoms
Step 1: Find the greatest common divisor (GCD)
The GCD of 2 and 4 is 2.
Step 2: Divide each subscript by the GCD
- For Boron: 2 ÷ 2 = 1
- For Chlorine: 4 ÷ 2 = 2
Step 3: Write the empirical formula
After simplifying, the ratio of Boron to Chlorine is 1:2. Therefore, the empirical formula is BCl2.
Explanation:
The molecular formula B2Cl4 indicates that there are two Boron atoms and four Chlorine atoms in one molecule of the compound. The empirical formula represents the simplest whole number ratio of these atoms. Dividing both subscripts by their GCD (which is 2), we get a ratio of 1 Boron atom for every 2 Chlorine atoms, which corresponds to the empirical formula BCl2.
Thus, the empirical formula is a simplified version of the molecular formula, showing the smallest possible whole-number ratio of the elements involved. In this case, the molecular formula B2Cl4 simplifies to the empirical formula BCl2.
