The molecular mass of benzaldehyde, a vital property in chemistry, is closely intertwined with its empirical formula (C7H6O), molar mass (106.12 g/mol), and structural formula (C6H5CHO). These entities provide insights into the composition, size, and molecular structure of benzaldehyde, enabling a comprehensive understanding of its chemical behavior and applications.
The Intriguing Molecular Mass of Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde, an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C7H6O, is commonly recognized for its characteristic almond-like scent. Understanding its molecular mass is fundamental to comprehending its chemical properties and reactivity.
Calculating Molecular Mass
The molecular mass of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all its constituent atoms. For benzaldehyde, we have:
- 7 carbon atoms (C) with atomic mass of 12.011 amu each
- 6 hydrogen atoms (H) with atomic mass of 1.008 amu each
- 1 oxygen atom (O) with atomic mass of 16.000 amu
Adding these values together gives us:
7 × 12.011 amu + 6 × 1.008 amu + 1 × 16.000 amu = 106.169 amu
Therefore, the molecular mass of benzaldehyde is 106.169 amu.
Structural Details
The molecular structure of benzaldehyde can be represented as follows:
O
||
C6-C5-C4
|| ||
C1-C2-C3-H
- The benzene ring (C6H6) consists of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure with alternating double and single bonds.
- The aldehyde group (-CHO) is attached to one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring via a double bond between carbon (C) and oxygen (O).
- The remaining hydrogen atom is attached to the carbon atom adjacent to the aldehyde group.
Key Features
- The benzene ring provides benzaldehyde with stability and resonance properties.
- The aldehyde group is a reactive functional group that undergoes a variety of reactions, including oxidation, reduction, and nucleophilic addition.
- Benzaldehyde has a boiling point of 179°C and is sparingly soluble in water.
- It is commonly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.
Question 1: What is the molecular mass of benzaldehyde?
Answer: The molecular mass of benzaldehyde is 106.12 g/mol.
Question 2: How is the molecular mass of benzaldehyde calculated?
Answer: The molecular mass of benzaldehyde is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule. Benzaldehyde has 7 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. The atomic mass of carbon is 12.01 g/mol, the atomic mass of hydrogen is 1.01 g/mol, and the atomic mass of oxygen is 16.00 g/mol. Therefore, the molecular mass of benzaldehyde is (7 x 12.01) + (6 x 1.01) + (1 x 16.00) = 106.12 g/mol.
Question 3: What is the significance of the molecular mass of benzaldehyde?
Answer: The molecular mass of benzaldehyde is important because it provides information about the mass of the molecule. The molecular mass can be used to calculate the density of benzaldehyde, which is important for understanding its physical properties. The molecular mass can also be used to calculate the molar mass of benzaldehyde, which is important for understanding its chemical properties.
Thanks for sticking with me through this quick dive into the molecular mass of benzaldehyde! I hope you found it informative and enjoyable. If you have any further questions or curiosities about chemistry, feel free to swing by again. There’s always something new and fascinating to discover in the world of molecules!