The compound that contains approximately 4.07% hydrogen by mass, alongside specific percentages of carbon and chlorine, is Dichloroethane.
Dichloroethane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₂H₄Cl₂. Its identification is based on its elemental composition and molar mass.
Elemental Composition and Molar Mass
The precise elemental breakdown of this compound, as determined by mass percentage, is crucial for its identification:
| Element | Mass Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen | 4.07 |
| Carbon | 24.27 |
| Chlorine | 71.65 |
| Total | 99.99 |
(Note: The total may slightly deviate from 100% due to rounding of individual percentages.)
Additionally, the molar mass of this compound is approximately 98.96 g/mol. When these elemental percentages are combined with the molar mass, they confirm the molecular formula C₂H₄Cl₂.
Understanding Dichloroethane
Dichloroethane exists in two main isomeric forms, meaning they have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements:
- 1,1-Dichloroethane (CH₃CHCl₂): Also known as ethylidene chloride, it has both chlorine atoms attached to the same carbon atom.
- 1,2-Dichloroethane (ClCH₂CH₂Cl): Often referred to simply as ethylene dichloride (EDC), it has one chlorine atom attached to each carbon atom. This isomer is more widely produced and used.
Common Applications
Dichloroethane compounds, particularly 1,2-dichloroethane, are widely utilized in various industrial processes:
- Solvent: They serve as effective solvents for fats, waxes, resins, and rubber.
- Chemical Intermediate: 1,2-dichloroethane is primarily used as a precursor in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is the main building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
- Degreasing Agent: Due to their solvent properties, they can be used in metal degreasing.
- Fumigant: In the past, they were used as fumigants, though their use in this application has decreased due to health and environmental concerns.
Understanding the precise elemental composition allows chemists to identify and synthesize compounds critical for numerous industrial and scientific applications.
