Question

What is the limiting reagent in esterification using isopentyl alcohol and acetyl chloride to make isopentyl acetate? Prove your answer with limiting reagent calculations.

Used 200 uL of isopentyl alcohol, 800 uL of acetyl chloride in the experiment.

Answer 1

What is the limiting reagent in esterification using isopentyl alcohol and acetyl chloride to make isopentyl acetate? Prove your answer with limiting reagent calculations.

Used 200 uL of isopentyl alcohol, 800 uL of acetyl chloride in the experiment.

Here 200 uL of isopentyl = 0.2 ml and density = 0.81 g/ml

Density = mass / volume

Mass = density * volume

= 0.81 g / ml * 0.2 ml

= 0.162 g

Number of moles = amount in g / molar mass

= 0.162 g / 88.148 g/mol

= 1.84*10^-3 moles

, 800 uL of acetyl chloride = 0.8 ml density = 1.104 g/ml

Density = mass / volume

Mass = density * volume

= 1.104 g / ml * 0. 8ml

= 0.8832g

Number of moles = amount in g / molar mass

= 0.8832 g / 78.49 g/mol

= 0.0113 moles

The reaction occurs in 1:1 ratio.

Thus the isopentyl is limiting agent .

due to following reasons:

1. It completely reacted in the reaction.
2. It determines the amount of the product in mol.

1.84*10^-3 moles isopentyl produce 1.84*10^-3 moles isopentyl acetate

Amount of isopentyl acetate = number of moles * molar mass

1.84*10^-3 moles* 130.19 g/mol

= 0.24 g