Lab Report Molecular Formula

Following my research using the molecular formula, I dove deeper into my research and looked closely at my calculated data. My molecular formula is C_4 H_9 Cl. I used ChemSpider to match my formula to millions of compounds. The compounds that match my molecular formula are 1-Chlorobutane, Tert-Butyl Chloride, 1-Chloro-2-Methylpropane, 2-Chlorobutane, (2S)-2-Chlorobutane, and (2R)-2-Chlorobutane. (ChemSpider) C36843 has a density of 0.8601 g/mL. (Table 1) All of the calculated values of C36843 are shown in the above, Table 1. The density of 1-Chlorobutane is 0.886 g/Ml, the density of Tert-Butyl Chloride is 0.846 g/mL, the density of 1-Chloro-2-Methylpropane is 0.883 g/mL, the density of 2-Chlorobutane is 0.87 g/mL, the density of (2S)-2-Chlorobutane

C36843 has an average molecular weight of 96.835 g/mol. (Table 1) 2-Chlorobutane has an average mass of 92.039 g/mol. Meanwhile; 1-Chloro-2-Methylpropane, (2S)-2-Chlorobutane, and (2R)-2-Chlorobutane all have one of 92.567 g/mol. (ChemSpider) Even though the mass calculations are off, mass is not a defining factor because it is the average of all the compounds found in the environment and I still decided that my compound is 2-Chlorobutane. My mass calculation was off 4.796 g. Some factors that could lead to my error in calculating the weight was not boiling the compound to the right evaporation state, having trouble with the balance, or contaminating the sample before measurement. No experiment is perfect, which is why most experiments require more than 2 trials. My 2 trials helped get my experimental molar mass close to the actual molar mass, however more trials would benefit the experiment and make it even closer to the actual value. Performing the experiment in a closed system would also heavily prevent contamination and balance issues should only occur at a very miniscule amount. The biggest analyzing factor that affected my calculations was not having enough trials because simple human error is common in this experiment, as I stated

The molar mass of my unknown is 96.835 g/mol; the density is 0.8601 g/Ml; the boiling point is 68.5℃ and the molecular and empirical formulas are C_4 H_9 Cl. (Table 1) The molar mass of 2-Chlorobutane is 92.039 g/mol; the density is 0.87 g/mL; the boiling point is 69.2℃; and the empirical and molecular formulas are C_4 H_9 Cl. (ChemSpider) The properties all match up and they helped me identify my unknown. During the experiment and the later research that followed, I learned how to identify what a compound using its intrinsic properties and how isomers function in the real world. I found out that 2-Chlorobutane has an estimated amount of 6 isomers and that shape sometimes does define how a compound works. The isomers all have the same formulas, however the differently arranged bonds change the whole compound. I also learned how to measure the atmospheric pressure using a barometer in the classroom and this experiment really improved my understanding of Chemistry concepts involving mass calculations. One of the most important concepts I have learned from this research paper and my data analysis, is that good Chemistry experiments require more than 2 trials and precise procedures that can be