Objective

Empirical formulas allow us to use our relative calculations from formulas to determine the
amount of atoms in a compound. We can synthesize compounds and use reactions to
determine the amounts in certain sample compounds.
This is especially useful when dealing with an element that has an unknown charge, for example
Fe(II) or Fe(III).
It must be remembered that empirical formulas are relative amounts, so calculations of actual
amounts will have to be performed against the relative ratios.
In this laboratory experiment the objective is to complete reactions with tinfoil to determine its
empirical formula. The tin foil will be oxidized by means of nitric acid, and the sample will be
heated multiple times afterwards to remove moisture.
The final mass will help determine the empirical formula of the tin foil.

Method
See CHEM-1131 Lab manual 2014 for lab procedure No deviations were encountered.
A list of non-standard lab equipment, and reagents we used are as follows:

Crucible & Lid

Bunsen Burner
Clay Triangle
Stand

November 26, 2014

Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound

Zachary Moshonas
100487921

Desiccator
Tin Foil
Nitric Acid

Observations
When Nitric acid was added to the tin inside the crucible, there was a large amount of brown
gas being formed as a result of the reaction. After the brown gas finished evolving, the
remnants appeared as a white paste/powder. Upon further heating, the final compound was a
fine white powder.

Discussion & Calculations

Masses
Empty Crucible

45.4209g

Tin Foil

1.0052g

Final Crucible Mass

46.6065

Oxide (calculated)

1.1856g

Oxygen

0.1804g

Moles of Tin = Initial mass / molecular mass of tin

1.0052
=

118.710
= 0.0084676944

November 26, 2014

Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound

Zachary Moshonas
100487921

Moles of Oxygen = mass of oxygen / molecular mass of Oxygen

0.1804
=

16.00 (
)

= 0.011275

To find the ratio of tin to oxygen, we must divide the moles of oxygen by the moles of tin.
=

= 1.33
This means that there is 1.33 moles of oxygen for every tin.
Empirical formula:
3 4
This was the relative formula based on the masses that were determined by experimentation.

There cannot be a decimal subscript in an empirical formula, therefore 1.33*3 had to be used
for the oxygen ratio, which in turn made 1*3 ratio for the tin. If any experimental error is
encountered, it would likely be due to insufficient heating in the drying process. This process
was to dry out the compound to the point to where there was no moisture that would affect
the calculations.
However, the empirical formula that was determined seemed to be odd. Upon research online,
the empirical formula may be SnO 4. This cannot be verified as this experiment was to find the
empirical formula of the oxidation that was performed.

November 26, 2014

Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound

Zachary Moshonas
100487921

Conclusion
In conclusion, this laboratory experiment had a main goal to oxidize tin foil, and to perform
calculations that led to the finalization of an empirical formula. The formula that was calculated
was Sn3O4.