Suppose a student conducted the synthesis of an alkyl ether and obtained 235 mg of the crude product. The student then used water/ethanol to recrystallize the product. After recrystallization, the mass of the alkyl ether product was 245 mg. What would be a possible explanation for the problem and what would be your suggestion to the student?

Question

Luciana

Chemistry

17 August, 12:17

Suppose a student conducted the synthesis of an alkyl ether and obtained 235 mg of the crude product. The student then used water/ethanol to recrystallize the product. After recrystallization, the mass of the alkyl ether product was 245 mg. What would be a possible explanation for the problem and what would be your suggestion to the student?

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Phantom · Answer 1

Recrystallization is based on the principle that solubility increases with increase in temperature. It a method of purifying a compound in an appropriate solvent.

In this method impure compound is dissolved in the solvent at high temperature. After that solution is cooled slowly. During cooling, the compound crystallizes and impurity remains in the dissolved state.

In the given situation, water/ethanol is used as a solvent. Weight of compound after recrystallization is more. This is because the alkyl ether obtained after recrystallization was not completely dried. extra amount is because of water present in it.

Therefore, dry it and reweigh for the correct amount of alkyl ether.