The discussion revolves around the accuracy of experimental data in the context of hydrogenation reactions, specifically the conversion of aldehydes to alcohols. Participants explore the mathematical relationships between the masses of reactants and products, as well as the implications of experimental error in their calculations.
Participants generally agree that experimental data may not be perfect and that a small margin of error is acceptable. However, there are competing views on the specific calculations and interpretations of the molar masses involved, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved in terms of the exact values and methods used.
Some participants express uncertainty regarding the algebraic steps and the definitions of terms used, such as molar mass. The discussion includes various assumptions about the chemical formulas and reactions involved, which may not be fully clarified.
This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in chemical reactions, particularly in understanding the relationship between reactants and products in hydrogenation processes, as well as the implications of experimental accuracy.
In hydrogenation, we add only hygrogen.Scott said:4.45% of the mass of the aldehyde is the mass of what you are adding to the aldehyde.
All that's left is the Algebra.
Let's say x=100.Scott said:4.45% of the mass of the aldehyde is the mass of what you are adding to the aldehyde.
All that's left is the Algebra.
X+2=(4.45/100) x (X)+X.Scott said:Let's say that X is the mass of the aldehyde.
X+mass(H2) = what function of mass(alcohol)?
0.0455chemisttree said:The mass referred to here is molar mass. Going from alcohol to aldehyde represents a loss of two hydrogens. Let X be the molar mass of the aldehyde and X+2 be the molar mass of alcohol.
The ratio of (X+2)/X = what?
molar mass alcohol / molar mass aldehyde = what? in this example...
Yes because it's an increase right?chemisttree said:Almost. The value of that ratio is 1 + 0.0445 or 1.0445
Solve for X
The lowest formula of aldehyde is HCOHchemisttree said:That molar mass corresponds to which aldehyde? Consider only C,H&O in the formula.
CnH2n+1CHOchemisttree said:Nope. Keep trying. This formula wt is not 30... it is ~45.
Close enough?chemisttree said:Close enough!
Thank you very muchchemisttree said:There was no error on your part. Sometimes the data we get from an experiment isn’t perfect, isn’t exact. The data from this example was only off from theoretical by 2%. That’s usually good enough. Close enough!