Ethanol Formula

Ethanol Formula is unique in that it can be represented in different ways that include;a simple Chemical formula, Structural formula, Empirical formula, Molecular formula, and skeletal representation. Here, we will present all the formula of Ethanol and make a comparison with Glucose in the case of its Empirical and Molecular formula.

Ethanol is a straight chain primary Alkanol (Alcohol) with two Carbon Atoms, six Hydrogen, and one Oxygen Atom. The two atoms are central to the structure of the Compound in that, they form a C-C bond to each other by a process called Cate-nation. The first Carbon atom combines with three Hydrogen atoms to form a Methyl group, while the second atom combines with two hydrogen atoms and the hydroxyl functional group.

The most Popular formula of Ethanol is its molecular formula C₂H₅OH. It is simply an Ethyl group(CH₃CH₂-) attached to Hydroxyl functional group (-OH) to form the structural formula CH3-CH₂-OH . Ethanol is also abbreviated as the chemical EtOH where Et is the Alkyl Ethyl group, and -OH is the functional group.

Ethanol has a unique empirical formula in that, it is rather massive and complex compared to other organic compounds like Glucose. Here, we will calculate and analyse the empirical formula of both Ethanol and Glucose.

Calculation of the Empirical Formula of Ethanol

Ethanol contains 52.17% Carbon (C), 34.78% Oxygen (O), and 13.04% Hydrogen (H). But the Molar Mass of Carbon is 12gMol^-1, Oxygen is 16gMol^-1, and Hydrogen is 1gMol^-1. Hence, the Ratio of each of the three elements in the compound can be determined by dividing the percentage composition of each of them by their relative molecular masses.

Ratio of Carbon = 52.17/12 = 4.35

Ratio of Oxygen = 34.78/16 = 2.17

Ratio of Hydrogen = 13.04/1 = 13.04

The Empirical Formula of Ethanol must be obtained by the simplest Ratio. The smallest value (Oxygen) must be used to divide through as follows:

C, H, O = 4.35/2.17 : 13.04/2.17 : 2.17/2.17 = 2 : 6 : 1

Hence, the Empirical Formula of Ethanol is made up of two Carbon Atoms, six Hydrogen Atoms and one Oxygen Atom; and is represented as C₂H₆O.

Now, let's consider Glucose.

Empirical Formula of Glucose

Glucose contains 72% Carbon, 6.67% Hydrogen, and 53.33% Oxygen. Their individual Ratios in the Glucose compound can be calculated thus,

C : H : O = 40/12 : 6.67/1 : 53.33/16 = 3.33 : 6.67 : 3.33 = 1 : 2 : 1

Hence, the Empirical Formula of Glucose is CH₂O. This is very small compared to Ethanol of lower mass and larger Empirical Formula. But the Issue can be resolved when the Molecular Formula of each of them is determined and compared.

Ethanol Molecular Formula can be determined by comparing its Empirical Formula and its Molar Mass.

Empirical Formula of Ethanol (x) = C₂H₆O = 46

Molar Mass of Ethanol (y) = 2(12) + 6(1) + 1(16) = 46

Ratio = y/x = 46/46 = 1

Therefore, Molecular Formula of Ethanol = 1(Empirical Formula) = 1(C₂H₆O)

= C₂H₅OH

Now let's compare the Molecular Formula of Glucose.

Molecular Formula of Glucose

Emperical Formula of Glucose (x) = CH₂O = 30

Molar Mass of Glucose (y) = 180gMol^-1

Ratio = y/x = 180/30 = 6

Molecular Formula of Glucose = 6(CH₂O) = C₆H₁₂O₆