In: Chemistry
What is the chemical reaction and mechanism for 2-chloro-2-methylpropane with AgNO3 in ethanol/water?
Which reacts fasters: 2-chloro-2-methylpropane with AgNO3 in ethanol/water or with AgNO3 in absolute ethanol? Explain.
The absolute alcohol has only 1% or less of water while 95% alcohol has about 5% water. The difference is a slight difference in specific gravity and a potential very great difference in reactivity.
True absolute alcohol has no water at all, but may contain trace amounts of benzene used in its manufacture. That type of alcohol is used in reactions that have to avoid water since some reactants may react with the water rather than desired chemicals. It is not meant for human consumption.
95% has a small amount of water and can be used for human consumption, although unnecessarily strong for most liquors.