The molar mass of a compound can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in its molecular formula.
For ethanol, C₂H₅OH, let’s break it down:
- Carbon (C): There are 2 carbon atoms. The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 g/mol. So, 2 x 12.01 g/mol = 24.02 g/mol.
- Hydrogen (H): There are 6 hydrogen atoms (5 from the ethyl group and 1 from the hydroxyl group). The atomic mass of hydrogen is about 1.01 g/mol. Thus, 6 x 1.01 g/mol = 6.06 g/mol.
- Oxygen (O): There is 1 oxygen atom. The atomic mass of oxygen is around 16.00 g/mol. Therefore, 1 x 16.00 g/mol = 16.00 g/mol.
Now, adding these together:
24.02 g/mol (from C) + 6.06 g/mol (from H) + 16.00 g/mol (from O) = 46.08 g/mol
So, the molar mass of C₂H₅OH is approximately 46.08 g/mol.