Molecular Weight of Methanol

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 53 views

Introduction

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical compound with the formula CH$_3$]OH. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor. Methanol is widely used as a solvent, fuel, and intermediate in the production of other chemicals. In this article, we will calculate the mass, in grams, of $9.85 \times 10^{24}$ molecules of methanol.

Molecular Weight of Methanol

To calculate the mass of methanol molecules, we need to know the molecular weight of methanol. The molecular weight of methanol is the sum of the atomic weights of its constituent atoms. The atomic weights of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are 12.01 g/mol, 1.008 g/mol, and 16.00 g/mol, respectively.

The molecular formula of methanol is CH$_3$]OH, which means it has one carbon atom, four hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Therefore, the molecular weight of methanol is:

12.01 g/mol (C) + 3(1.008 g/mol) (H) + 16.00 g/mol (O) = 32.042 g/mol

Calculating the Mass of Methanol Molecules

Now that we know the molecular weight of methanol, we can calculate the mass of $9.85 \times 10^{24}$ molecules of methanol. To do this, we need to multiply the number of molecules by the molecular weight of methanol.

Mass of methanol molecules = Number of molecules × Molecular weight = $9.85 \times 10^{24}$ molecules × 32.042 g/mol

Converting Moles to Grams

To convert moles to grams, we need to multiply the number of moles by the molar mass of the substance. In this case, the molar mass of methanol is 32.042 g/mol.

Number of moles = Number of molecules / Avogadro's number = $9.85 \times 10^{24}$ molecules / $6.022 \times 10^{23}$ molecules/mol = 163.3 mol

Now, we can convert the number of moles to grams by multiplying it by the molar mass of methanol:

Mass of methanol = Number of moles × Molar mass = 163.3 mol × 32.042 g/mol = 5.23 × 10^6 g

Rounding to the Nearest Whole Number

Finally, we need to round the mass of methanol to the nearest whole number of grams. The mass of methanol is 5.23 × 10^6 g, which rounds to 5,230,000 g.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mass of $9.85 \times 10^{24}$ molecules of methanol is 5,230,000 g. This calculation demonstrates the importance of understanding the molecular weight of a substance and the number of molecules present in a given sample.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the molecular weight of methanol? The molecular weight of methanol is 32.042 g/mol.
How many molecules of methanol are in 1 mole? There are $6.022 \times 10^{23}$ molecules of methanol in 1 mole.
What is the mass of 1 mole of methanol? The mass of 1 mole of methanol is 32.042 g.

References

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2022). Atomic Weights of the Elements 2022.
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. (2022). Atomic Weights of the Elements 2022.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. (2022). Molecular Weights of Organic Compounds.

Introduction

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical compound with the formula CH$_3$]OH. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor. Methanol is widely used as a solvent, fuel, and intermediate in the production of other chemicals. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about methanol and its properties.

Q&A

Q: What is the molecular formula of methanol?

A: The molecular formula of methanol is CH$_3$]OH.

Q: What is the molecular weight of methanol?

A: The molecular weight of methanol is 32.042 g/mol.

Q: What is the boiling point of methanol?

A: The boiling point of methanol is 64.7°C (148.5°F) at standard pressure.

Q: What is the melting point of methanol?

A: The melting point of methanol is -97.6°C (-143.7°F) at standard pressure.

Q: Is methanol a polar molecule?

A: Yes, methanol is a polar molecule due to the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group.

Q: What is the solubility of methanol in water?

A: Methanol is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 100% at 20°C (68°F).

Q: Can methanol be used as a fuel?

A: Yes, methanol can be used as a fuel, particularly in internal combustion engines. It is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than gasoline.

Q: What are some common uses of methanol?

A: Methanol is widely used as a solvent, fuel, and intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Some common uses of methanol include:

As a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives
As a fuel in internal combustion engines
As an intermediate in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals
As a cleaning agent in the removal of grease and grime

Q: Is methanol toxic?

A: Yes, methanol is toxic and can be hazardous to human health if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to methanol can cause serious health problems, including vision loss, neurological damage, and even death.

Q: How should methanol be handled and stored?

A: Methanol should be handled and stored with caution, as it is a flammable and toxic substance. It should be stored in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources and open flames. It should also be handled with gloves and protective eyewear to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, methanol is a versatile and widely used chemical compound with a range of properties and applications. However, it is also a toxic and flammable substance that requires careful handling and storage. By understanding the properties and uses of methanol, we can appreciate its importance in various industries and applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the molecular formula of methanol?
What is the molecular weight of methanol?
What is the boiling point of methanol?
What is the melting point of methanol?
Is methanol a polar molecule?
What is the solubility of methanol in water?
Can methanol be used as a fuel?
What are some common uses of methanol?
Is methanol toxic?
How should methanol be handled and stored?

References

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2022). Atomic Weights of the Elements 2022.
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. (2022). Atomic Weights of the Elements 2022.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. (2022). Molecular Weights of Organic Compounds.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Methanol: Toxicological Profile.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2022). Methanol: Safety and Health Topics.