Following the composition by mass, the molecular formula of monosodium glutamate would be [tex]C_7H_8O_4NNa[/tex]
The empirical formula can first be derived such that:
C = 51/12 = 4.25
H = 4.778/1 = 4.77
O = 37.8/16 = 2.36
N = 8.29/14 = 0.59
Na = 13.60/23 = 0.59
Dividing by the smallest (0.59):
C = 7
H = 8
O = 4
N = 1
Na = 1
Hence, the empirical formula would be [tex]C_7H_8O_4NNa[/tex]
Molar mass of empirical formula = 12x7 + 8x1 + 16x4 + 14 + 23
= 195
Recall that: , ([tex]C_7H_8O_4NNa[/tex])n = molecular formula
Where n = molar mass/empirical formular mass
Molar mass/empirical formular mass = 169/195
= 0.87
≈ 1
Thus, ([tex]C_7H_8O_4NNa[/tex]) x 1 = [tex]C_7H_8O_4NNa[/tex]
More on molecular formula calculation can be found here: https://brainly.com/question/21629131
