Limiting Reagent Lab Report

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Before the start of the experiment, the theoretical yield was to be calculated. The limiting reagent was determined from the reagents by comparing the amount of moles - benzophenone was found to be the limiting reagent. The theoretical yield, which is the amount of product that could be possibly produced after the completion of a reaction (“Calculating Theoretical and Percent Yield”), was calculated to be 3.4 g. Once the the product was synthesized, it was determined to have a percent yield of 4.6%. As a result, the conversion of a grignard reagent to a tertiary alcohol, triphenylmethanol, was not successful. In order to synthesize triphenylmethanol, the grignard reagent, phenylmagnesium bromide, had to be prepared. Data Table 1 indicates …show more content…

In an instant, the solution changed from brown to magenta and gradually solidified - this solid mixture is the adduct. The reaction mixture was then neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and a color change occurred from pink to yellow. Two layers were also formed: the upper ether layer with the product, triphenylmethanol, and the lower aqueous layer that contained the hydrochloric acid and inorganic compounds. Since neutralization involves heat, some ether was lost to evaporation and additional ether was added to maintain a sufficient volume in the upper organic layer. (Pavia et al 278). The lower layer was then extracted by a separatory funnel. The layer was extracted, and then reextracted with ether, as quickly as possibly, because it would solidify and prevent the layer to be completely extracted. The remaining portions of the organic layer were combined and dried with granular anhydrous sodium sulfate; this drying agent is used to absorb any water in a solution and should thus, result in a colorless solution. The dried ether solution solution was also rinsed with diethyl ether and the solvent was evaporated. However, there was an error. While the solvent was evaporating, it was left with small white solids instead of a brown-yellow oil or solid. The solvent didn’t also evaporate smoothly. Instead, it made popping sounds and the product was

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