A metal M forms a compound with the formula MCl3 If the comp
A metal (M) forms a compound with the formula MCl3.
If the compound contains 35.06 % Cl by mass, what is the identity of the metal?
Express your answer as a chemical symbol.
Solution
mass of Cl = 35.06 g
moles of Cl = 35.06 / 35.5
= 0.988
MCl3 moles = 1/3 x 0.988 = 0.3292
moles of M = 0.3292
mass of M = 100 -35.06 = 64.94 g
mass / molar mass = moles
64.94 / molar mass = 0.3292
molar mass = 197 g/ mol
molar mass of 197 g / mol metal is gold
so the metal is gold = Au

