A compound contains sulfur, oxygen, and chlorine. Analysis shows that it contains by mass 26.95% sulfur and 59.61% chlorine. What is the simplest formula for this compound?

SCl₂

Explanation:

In order to know the empirical formula, we have to follow a series of steps.

Step 1: Divide each percentage by the atomic mass

S: 26.95/32.07 = 0.8403

Cl: 59.61/35.45 = 1.682

Step 2: Divide all the numbers by the smallest one.

S: 0.8403/0.8403 = 1

Cl: 1.682/0.8403 ≈ 2

The empirical formula of the compound is SCl₂.

The empirical formula = the simplest formula of this compound is SOCl2

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Suppose the mass of the compound is 100 grams

The compound contains:

⇒ 26.95 % sulfur = 26.95 grams

⇒ 59.61 % chlorine = 59.61 grams

⇒ 100 - 26.95 - 59.61 = 13.44 % oxygen = 13.44 grams

Molar mass of sulfur = 32.065 g/mol

Molar mass of oxygen = 16 g/mol

Molar mass of chlorine = 35.45 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate moles

Moles = mass / molar mass

Moles Sulfur = 26.95 grams / 32.065 g/mol = 0.8405 moles

Moles chlorine = 59.61 grams / 35.45 g/mol = 1.682 moles

Moles oxygen = 13.44 grams / 16 g/mol = 0.84 moles

Step 3: Calculate mol ratio

We divide by the smallest amount of moles

S: 0.8405/0.84 = 1

Cl = 1.682 / 0.84 = 2

O = 0.84 / 0.84 = 1

The empirical formula = the simplest formula of this compound is SOCl2