The Freezing Point Depression Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 29 views

**Find the Molar Mass of an Organic Substance: A Step-by-Step Guide** ===========================================================

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of finding the molar mass of an organic substance using the freezing point depression method. This method involves dissolving a known amount of the substance in a solvent, such as carbon tetrachloride, and measuring the resulting freezing point depression. By using the freezing point depression equation, we can calculate the molar mass of the substance.

What is Molar Mass?

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in units of grams per mole (g/mol). It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that allows us to relate the mass of a substance to the number of moles present.

The Freezing Point Depression Equation

The freezing point depression equation is a fundamental concept in chemistry that relates the freezing point depression of a solution to the molality of the solution. The equation is as follows:

ΔT = Kf × m

Where:

ΔT is the freezing point depression (in degrees Celsius)
Kf is the freezing point depression constant (in degrees Celsius per mole per kilogram)
m is the molality of the solution (in moles per kilogram)

How to Find the Molar Mass of an Organic Substance

To find the molar mass of an organic substance, we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure the Freezing Point Depression

Measure the freezing point of the solution and the freezing point of the pure solvent. The freezing point depression is then calculated as follows:

ΔT = T_solvent - T_solution

Where:

T_solvent is the freezing point of the pure solvent (in degrees Celsius)
T_solution is the freezing point of the solution (in degrees Celsius)

Step 2: Calculate the Molality of the Solution

Using the freezing point depression equation, we can calculate the molality of the solution as follows:

m = ΔT / Kf

Where:

ΔT is the freezing point depression (in degrees Celsius)
Kf is the freezing point depression constant (in degrees Celsius per mole per kilogram)

Step 3: Calculate the Number of Moles of the Substance

Using the molality of the solution, we can calculate the number of moles of the substance as follows:

n = m × mass_of_solvent

Where:

n is the number of moles of the substance
m is the molality of the solution
mass_of_solvent is the mass of the solvent (in grams)

Step 4: Calculate the Molar Mass of the Substance

Using the number of moles of the substance and the mass of the substance, we can calculate the molar mass of the substance as follows:

M = mass_of_substance / n

Where:

M is the molar mass of the substance (in grams per mole)
mass_of_substance is the mass of the substance (in grams)
n is the number of moles of the substance

Example Problem

A solution of 455 mg of an organic substance dissolved in 12.55 g of carbon tetrachloride freezes at -27.2°C. Carbon tetrachloride has a freezing point of 23.5°C. Find the molar mass of the substance.

Step 1: Measure the Freezing Point Depression

ΔT = T_solvent - T_solution = 23.5°C - (-27.2°C) = 50.7°C

Step 2: Calculate the Molality of the Solution

Kf = 5.1°C/m (for carbon tetrachloride) m = ΔT / Kf = 50.7°C / 5.1°C/m = 9.94 m

Step 3: Calculate the Number of Moles of the Substance

mass_of_solvent = 12.55 g n = m × mass_of_solvent = 9.94 m × 12.55 g = 0.125 mol

Step 4: Calculate the Molar Mass of the Substance

mass_of_substance = 455 mg = 0.455 g M = mass_of_substance / n = 0.455 g / 0.125 mol = 363.6 g/mol

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the concept of finding the molar mass of an organic substance using the freezing point depression method. By following the steps outlined above, we can calculate the molar mass of a substance using the freezing point depression equation. This method is a useful tool for chemists and researchers who need to determine the molar mass of a substance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the freezing point depression constant (Kf)?

A: The freezing point depression constant (Kf) is a constant that depends on the solvent used. For carbon tetrachloride, Kf is 5.1°C/m.

Q: How do I measure the freezing point of a solution?

A: To measure the freezing point of a solution, you can use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the solution as it freezes.

Q: What is the difference between molality and molarity?

A: Molality is the number of moles of a substance per kilogram of solvent, while molarity is the number of moles of a substance per liter of solution.

Q: How do I calculate the molar mass of a substance?

A: To calculate the molar mass of a substance, you need to know the mass of the substance and the number of moles of the substance. You can then use the formula M = mass_of_substance / n to calculate the molar mass.

Q: What is the significance of the molar mass of a substance?

A: The molar mass of a substance is a fundamental property that allows us to relate the mass of a substance to the number of moles present. It is a useful tool for chemists and researchers who need to determine the molar mass of a substance.