In chemistry, the empirical formula of a compound provides the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements present in that compound. It is derived from the molecular formula by reducing the subscripts of each element to their smallest possible values while maintaining the same ratio. For the compound C₂H₇N, let’s explore its empirical formula.
The Molecular Formula: C₂H₇N
The molecular formula C₂H₇N represents a compound made of:
- 2 carbon (C) atoms
- 7 hydrogen (H) atoms
- 1 nitrogen (N) atom
It is already expressed in the lowest possible whole-number ratio because the subscripts (2, 7, and 1) cannot be further simplified without breaking the ratio between the elements.
Is C₂H₇N the Empirical Formula?
Yes, C₂H₇N is already its own empirical formula. This is because:
- The subscripts 2, 7, and 1 are whole numbers.
- These numbers cannot be simplified any further while maintaining the same relative proportions of the elements in the compound.
Thus, the empirical formula for C₂H₇N is C₂H₇N.
Examples of Similar Compounds
Compounds with the molecular formula C₂H₇N belong to the class of organic compounds known as amines, specifically ethylamine or dimethylamine, depending on the arrangement of the atoms. Here’s how the structure might appear:
- Ethylamine (CH₃CH₂NH₂): A primary amine where a two-carbon chain is bonded to an amino group (NH₂).
- Dimethylamine ((CH₃)₂NH): A secondary amine where two methyl groups are bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Both compounds share the molecular formula C₂H₇N, and their empirical formula remains the same.
The empirical formula for C₂H₇N is the same as its molecular formula: C₂H₇N. This is because the subscripts of the elements are already in their simplest whole-number ratio. Understanding the difference between molecular and empirical formulas is essential in chemistry, especially for analyzing and identifying compounds.