Problem 55 - Chemistry The Molecular Science

Question

Write the molecular formula for each substance. (a) Fenclorac, an anti-inflammatory drug, which has 14 carbon atoms, 16 hydrogen atoms, two chlorine atoms, and two oxygen atoms. (b) Vitamin B-12, which has 63 carbon atoms, 88 hydrogen atoms, one cobalt atom, 14 nitrogen atoms, 14 oxygen atoms, and one phosphorus atom.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) \( C_{14}H_{16}Cl_{2}O_{2} \), (b) \( C_{63}H_{88}CoN_{14}O_{14}P \).

Step 1: Understand the Question

We are asked to write the molecular formulas for two substances based on the number of each type of atom they contain.

Step 2: Identify Atoms for Substance (a)

First, identify the number of each type of atom in Fenclorac: 14 carbon (C) atoms, 16 hydrogen (H) atoms, two chlorine (Cl) atoms, and two oxygen (O) atoms.

Step 3: Write the Molecular Formula for (a)

Using the identified atoms, write the molecular formula for Fenclorac by listing the chemical symbols followed by their respective quantities: \( C_{14}H_{16}Cl_{2}O_{2} \).

Step 4: Identify Atoms for Substance (b)

Next, identify the number of each type of atom in Vitamin B-12: 63 carbon (C) atoms, 88 hydrogen (H) atoms, one cobalt (Co) atom, 14 nitrogen (N) atoms, 14 oxygen (O) atoms, and one phosphorus (P) atom.

Step 5: Write the Molecular Formula for (b)

Using the identified atoms, write the molecular formula for Vitamin B-12 by listing the chemical symbols followed by their respective quantities: \( C_{63}H_{88}CoN_{14}O_{14}P \).

Key Concepts

Fenclorac

Fenclorac is an anti-inflammatory drug that is often used to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to interfere with the body’s inflammatory responses, helping to soothe conditions that involve inflammation such as arthritis.

To understand Fenclorac from a chemical perspective, it is key to know its molecular formula. The molecular formula provides a concise way of expressing the types and numbers of each atom present in a compound.

For Fenclorac, the molecular formula is crafted by combining its component atoms: it contains 14 carbon (C) atoms, 16 hydrogen (H) atoms, two chlorine (Cl) atoms, and two oxygen (O) atoms. This can be written as the molecular formula: \( C_{14}H_{16}Cl_{2}O_{2} \).

This formula is more than just letters and numbers — it offers insight into the composition of the compound and lays the foundation for understanding its molecular structure and how it might interact with other compounds.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin required for numerous vital functions, including DNA synthesis and neural health.

Its complex structure is unique, as it is one of the only vitamins that contains a metal ion, cobalt. This structure is reflected in its molecular formula, which offers a glimpse into its complexity.

Vitamin B-12 consists of 63 carbon atoms, 88 hydrogen atoms, a single cobalt atom, 14 nitrogen atoms, 14 oxygen atoms, and a phosphorus atom, resulting in the molecular formula: \( C_{63}H_{88}CoN_{14}O_{14}P \).

This detailed formula highlights the complexity of Vitamin B-12, underlining why it's such a unique and essential nutrient in the diet. Understanding its molecular formula can help students appreciate its role and importance in biological processes.

chemical symbols

Chemical symbols are abbreviations used to represent chemical elements. These symbols are based on either the Latin or English names of the elements and typically consist of one or two letters.

For example, 'C' stands for carbon, 'H' for hydrogen, 'Cl' for chlorine, 'O' for oxygen, 'Co' for cobalt, 'N' for nitrogen, and 'P' for phosphorus. Each symbol is unique and internationally recognized, making it easier to communicate complex chemical information.

When writing molecular formulas, these symbols are combined to represent compounds. The number of each type of atom in a compound is indicated by subscripts following the symbols, such as in \( H_{2}O \) for water. This system of notation is crucial for chemists as it allows them to quickly understand the composition and characteristics of chemical compounds.

atoms

Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of all matter, including living beings. They consist of three main parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons and neutrons form the nucleus, while electrons orbit around this nucleus. Each atom is defined by the number of protons it contains, known as the atomic number.

Atoms combine in various ways to form molecules. These combinations are determined by the arrangement of electrons and how atoms share or exchange them. For instance, the atoms in Fenclorac (carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, oxygen) and Vitamin B-12 (carbon, hydrogen, cobalt, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus) are all key to their respective functions and properties.

Understanding atoms and their interactions can give deep insight into the world of chemistry and the nature of substances.