Question

Assume that all 4.0 mL of methyl salicylate was placed in the beaker and reacted, that most of the NaOH solution is water, and that the total water used is 56 mL. The density of methyl salicylate is 1.18 g/mL and the density of water is 1.00 g/mL. Pay close attention to units and dimensional analysis when completing this problem.

Answer 1

Hydrolysis of methylsalicylate with NaOH

moles of methylsalicylate = 4.0 ml x 1.18 g/ml/152.15 g/mol = 0.031 mols

1 mole of methylsalicylate would give 1 mole of salicylic acid upon reaction

Theoretical yield of salicylic acid = 0.031 mols

                                                     = 0.031 mol x 138.121 g/mol

                                                     = 4.28 g