The molar mass of vinegar can be primarily attributed to its main component, acetic acid (CH₃COOH). The molecular formula for acetic acid indicates that it consists of two carbon (C) atoms, four hydrogen (H) atoms, and two oxygen (O) atoms.
To calculate the molar mass, we sum the molar masses of all the atoms in the molecule:
- Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol × 2 = 24.02 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1.01 g/mol × 4 = 4.04 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol × 2 = 32.00 g/mol
Now, adding these together gives us:
24.02 g/mol + 4.04 g/mol + 32.00 g/mol = 60.06 g/mol
Therefore, the molar mass of acetic acid, which is the primary component of vinegar, is approximately 60.06 g/mol. Since most vinegar contains about 4-8% acetic acid, this molar mass is essential for determining the concentrations and reactions involving vinegar in various applications.