Terephthalic acid, used in the production of polyester fibers and films, is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. When 0.6943 g of terephthalic acid was subjected to combustion analysis it produced 1.471 g CO₂and 0.226 g H₂O. If its molar mass is between 158 and 167 g/mol, what is its molecular formula? A)C ₄H ₆O ₇ B)C ₆H ₈O ₅ C)C ₇H ₁₂O ₄ D)C ₄H ₃O ₂ E)C ₈H ₆O ₄

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combustion analysis shows the empirical formula is C4H3O2. Given the molar mass range, the molecular formula is C8H6O4, which matches the molar mass range of 158-167 g/mol.

Terephthalic Acid, Used in the Production of Polyester Fibers and Films