Question

The transformation occurring in Duma's method is given below:
$\text{C}_2 \text{H}_7 \text{N} + (2x + y/2) \text{CuO} \to x \text{CO}_2 + y/2 \text{H}_2\text{O} + z/2 \text{N}_2 + (2x + y/2) \text{Cu}$.
The value of $y$ is ________. (Integer answer)

Hint:

In Dumas method stoichiometry, the coefficient of water produced is always half the number of hydrogen atoms ($y/2$) because each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 7

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Duma's method is used for the quantitative estimation of nitrogen in organic compounds. The compound is heated with copper oxide ($\text{CuO}$), which oxidizes carbon to $\text{CO}_2$, hydrogen to $\text{H}_2\text{O}$, and nitrogen is released as $\text{N}_2$ gas.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The general formula for an organic compound in this context is $\text{C}_x \text{H}_y \text{N}_z$.
2. In the provided example, the specific compound is Ethylamine (or a related isomer) with the formula $\text{C}_2 \text{H}_7 \text{N}$.
3. By directly comparing the general subscripts ($x, y, z$) with the given formula:
- $x$ (Number of Carbon atoms) = 2
- $y$ (Number of Hydrogen atoms) = 7
- $z$ (Number of Nitrogen atoms) = 1
4. The question specifically asks for the value of $y$.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The value of $y$ is 7.