A confiscated white substance suspected of being cocaine was purified by a forensic chemist and subjected to elemental analysis. Combustion of a 50.68 mg sample yielded 150.0 mg of CO2 and 46.05 mg of H2O. Analysis for nitrogen showed that the compound contained 9.39% N by mass. The formula for cocaine is C17H21NO4. Can the forensic scientist conclude that the suspected compound is cocaine?
Hi there! Click one of our representatives below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.