The formula and molecular mass of ethanol is:

• A. C₃H₆O = 34 g/mol
• B. C₂H₆O₂ = 62 g/mol
• C. C₂H₅O = 45 g/mol
• D. C₂H₆O = 46 g/mol

The correct formula and molecular mass of ethanol is option D: C₂H₆O, which has a molecular mass of 46 g/mol.

Understanding Ethanol

Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, is a simple chemical compound. Its structure consists of two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

Molecular Mass Calculation

To find the molecular mass, you can add the atomic masses of each element:

• Carbon (C): 12 g/mol
• Hydrogen (H): 1 g/mol
• Oxygen (O): 16 g/mol

For ethanol (C₂H₆O):

• 2 × 12 g/mol (C) = 24 g/mol
• 6 × 1 g/mol (H) = 6 g/mol
• 1 × 16 g/mol (O) = 16 g/mol

Adding these together gives:

24 + 6 + 16 = 46 g/mol

Summary

Thus, the molecular formula for ethanol is C₂H₆O, and its molecular mass is 46 g/mol.