Question

What is theoretical yield

Answer 1

Hi,

The theoretical yield of a reaction is the amount of product that would be formed if the reaction went to completion. It is based on the stoichiometry of the reaction and ideal conditions in which starting material is completely consumed, undesired side reactions do not occur, the reverse reaction does not occur, and there no losses in the work-up procedure.

Theoretical yield calculations are carried out in the same way as they were in general chemistry: the moles of limiting reactant determines the moles of product. To calculate theoretical yield:

• Balance the reaction and determine the stoichiometry or ratios of reactants to products.
• Find the number of moles of each starting material used.
• Determine which reagent is limiting; remember that catalysts, solvents, or any compounds that are not part of the actual chemical reaction cannot be the limiting reagent.
• Calculate the moles of product expected if the yield were 100% based on the limiting reagent.
• Calculate the grams of product corresponding to the number of moles expected.

After your laboratory reaction is complete, you will isolate and measure the amount of product, then compare the actual yield to the theoretical yield to determine the percent yield:

In the laboratory, the percent yield has the practical aspect of telling you how successful was your synthesis scheme. A low percentage yield means that the conditions were not optimal and could be improved. Perhaps there are competing reactions occurring or some of the product is being lost in the purification steps.