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JAMB Chemistry 1997 Question 39

Question 39

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

A sample of a substance containing only C and H burns in excess O2 to yield 4.4 g of CO2 and 2.7 g of H2O. The empirical formula of the substance is [C = 12, O = 16, H = 1]

  1. A.CH3
  2. B.CH2
  3. C.CH4
  4. D.C2H4
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (CH3)

Explanation

4.4 g CO2 = 0.1 mol, so 0.1 mol C. 2.7 g H2O = 0.15 mol, so 0.3 mol H. C : H = 0.1 : 0.3 = 1 : 3, giving CH3.