Question

Anabolic steroids are performance enhancement drugs whose use has been banned from most major sporting activities. One anabolic steroid is fluoxymesterone \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{20} \mathrm{H}_{29} \mathrm{FO}_{3}\right) .\) Calculate the percent composition by mass of fluoxymesterone.

Short answer

The percent composition by mass of fluoxymesterone (C20H29FO3) is approximately 71.38% carbon, 8.70% hydrogen, 5.65% fluorine, and 14.27% oxygen.

Step-by-step solution

Find the molar mass of fluoxymesterone

To determine the molar mass of fluoxymesterone (C20H29FO3), we need to find the total mass of all the atoms in one mole of the compound. We can do this by multiplying the number of each atom by its molar mass: - For carbon (C), the molar mass is 12.01 g/mol. - For hydrogen (H), the molar mass is 1.01 g/mol. - For fluorine (F), the molar mass is 19 g/mol. - For oxygen (O), the molar mass is 16 g/mol. Molar mass of fluoxymesterone: = (20 * 12.01) + (29 * 1.01) + (1 * 19) + (3 * 16) = 240.2 + 29.29 + 19 + 48 = 336.49 g/mol

Find the individual masses of elements in fluoxymesterone

To find the mass of each element in fluoxymesterone, we multiply the number of atoms of the element with their respective molar mass. Mass of carbon (C) = 20 * 12.01 g/mol = 240.2 g/mol Mass of hydrogen (H) = 29 * 1.01 g/mol = 29.29 g/mol Mass of fluorine (F) = 1 * 19 g/mol = 19 g/mol Mass of oxygen (O) = 3 * 16 g/mol = 48 g/mol

Calculate the percent composition by mass of each element

To find the percent composition by mass of each element in fluoxymesterone, we divide the mass of each element by the molar mass of the compound and multiply by 100. Percent composition of carbon (C) = (240.2 g/mol) / (336.49 g/mol) * 100 = 71.38% Percent composition of hydrogen (H) = (29.29 g/mol) / (336.49 g/mol) * 100 = 8.70% Percent composition of fluorine (F) = (19 g/mol) / (336.49 g/mol) * 100 = 5.65% Percent composition of oxygen (O) = (48 g/mol) / (336.49 g/mol) * 100 = 14.27% Thus, the percent composition by mass of fluoxymesterone (C20H29FO3) is approximately 71.38% carbon, 8.70% hydrogen, 5.65% fluorine, and 14.27% oxygen.

Key concepts

Fluoxymesterone

Fluoxymesterone is a type of anabolic steroid known for its ability to enhance muscle growth and performance. It is recognized by its chemical formula \(\mathrm{C}_{20} \mathrm{H}_{29} \mathrm{FO}_{3}\) and is often used in the context of sports and bodybuilding, although its use is banned in many professional and competitive sports due to its performance-enhancing effects.
The compound’s chemical formula reveals its structure, indicating it contains 20 carbon atoms, 29 hydrogen atoms, 1 fluorine atom, and 3 oxygen atoms.
These components together contribute to the total molar mass and the biological activity associated with the compound. Understanding its compositional structure is crucial for grasping how such steroids interact within the body, their metabolism, and the effects they prompt at a cellular level.

Molar Mass Calculation

Calculating the molar mass of a compound like fluoxymesterone involves adding up the atomic masses of each element within its chemical formula.
Each atom’s contribution to the molar mass is determined by multiplying the number of atoms by their respective atomic masses.

• Carbon (C) contributes 12.01 g/mol, and with 20 atoms, this is 240.2 g/mol.
• Hydrogen (H) at 1.01 g/mol with 29 atoms contributes 29.29 g/mol.
• Fluorine (F), at 19 g/mol, accounts for 19 g/mol with its single atom.
• Oxygen (O) at 16 g/mol with 3 atoms contributes 48 g/mol.

By summing these individual contributions, the total molar mass of fluoxymesterone is calculated to be 336.49 g/mol.
Understanding how to calculate molar mass is fundamental in chemistry, as it helps us assess substance quantities for reactions and understand compound interactions.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Chemical formula interpretation involves decoding the subscripts and elemental symbols to understand the makeup of a compound.
In fluoxymesterone’s formula, \(\mathrm{C}_{20} \mathrm{H}_{29} \mathrm{FO}_{3}\), the letters represent elements:

• \mathrm{C} stands for Carbon
• \mathrm{H} stands for Hydrogen
• \mathrm{F} stands for Fluorine
• \mathrm{O} stands for Oxygen

The numbers, known as subscripts, inform us of the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of the compound.
This analysis is essential for identifying the relationships between elements and for conducting precise scientific calculations, like determining percent composition by mass or engaging in chemical reactions, where knowing the exact composition is crucial.
Interpreting these formulas correctly helps in predicting the properties and potential uses of the compound.