1 Chlorobutane Titration

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The objective of part A was to determine the rate of the substitution reaction between 1-Chlorobutane and KOH. This information was obtained by using the titration method to record the concentration of KOH over a given amount of time. To start this procedure, 1-Chlorobutane was added to a round bottom flask, which was connected to a reflux apparatus. Once it was observed that reflux had started the KOH was added with EtOH; this is the start of the reaction. The aliquot was then titrated with 0.100 M HCl and the concentration was noted at each interval. By graphing the data one can determine the order of the reaction and the rate of the leaving group. This data will provide the type of the reaction, whether it is SN1 or SN2. In order for the …show more content…

This means if the concentration were increased, the rate would be increased also. This statement is not true to a zero order reaction, therefore it can be determined that both are not zero order. By observing the first order graph it is seen that the 1-bromobutane is decreasing in a curve while the 1-chlorobutane is straight with a negative slope. With a first order reaction, generally the rate increases linearly which means the rate is proportional to the concentration. This is not occurring with the 1-bromobutane, however is opposite with the 1-chlorobutane. For the compound to be first order the slope is linear with –k, this is evident. Therefore, it is concluded that 1-chlorobutane shows to be a first order reaction. Finally, the second order graph is examined and it is apparent that the points for 1-bromobutane form an increasing straight line with a positive slope, which is essential considering it is a plot of the inverse concentration. The 1-chlorobutane cannot be second order due to the –k value. However, theoretically both electrophiles should follow an SN2 reaction because they are primary alkyl halides. Therefore the interpretation of the graphs makes sense, however due to very similar results the data may be inaccurate in some areas. Therefore, when the leaving group detaches, and the new bond with the nucleophile forms, it occurs immediately therefore, there is no intermediate and the attack occurs

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