(b) A compound X contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only X contains 54.54% of carbon by mass, 9.09% of hydrogen by mass and 36.37% of oxygen by
mass
(0) Calculate the empirical formula of compound X

Explanation:

Let compound X be 100g.

Molar mass of carbon = 12g/mol

Moles of C in compound X = 54.54/12 = 4.54mol.

Molar mass of hydrogen = 1g/mol

Moles of H in compound X = 9.09/1 = 9.09mol.

Molar mass of oxygen = 16g/mol

Moles of O in compound X = 36.37/16 = 2.27mol

Ratio of C:H:O = 4.54:9.09:2.27 = 2:4:1.

Hence, the empirical formula of X is C2H4O.

vanderwaal's forces of attraction are the electrostatic intermolecular forces that exist in a molecule due to the temporary or permanent dipoles that are developed in a molecule. in , the major intermolecular forces are dipole-dipole interactions as the molecule is polar (bent structure). so the vanderwaal's forces of interaction in between molecules are the permanent dipole-dipole interactions that develop due to the dipole that exists in between the polar h - s bond. the positively charged hydrogen atom is attracted towards the negative end of the dipole that is sulfur of the adjacent molecule. therefore, these forces of attraction are relatively stronger than that of london dispersion forces that exist in non polar molecules.