Producing Phosphoric Acid: Calculating Percent Yield

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SUMMARY

The production of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) involves the reaction of fluoroapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F) with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and water. The balanced chemical equation is Ca5(PO4)3F + 5H2SO4 + 10H2O → 3H3PO4 + 5CaSO4·2H2O + HF. Each kilogram of fluoroapatite yields 400 grams (4.00E2 g) of phosphoric acid. To calculate the percent yield, one must compare the actual yield to the theoretical yield based on the stoichiometry of the reaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stoichiometry in chemical reactions
  • Familiarity with percent yield calculations
  • Knowledge of chemical formulas for phosphoric acid and fluoroapatite
  • Basic grasp of chemical reaction balancing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of percent yield in chemical reactions
  • Study the properties and applications of phosphoric acid in industry
  • Learn about the synthesis of phosphoric acid from fluoroapatite
  • Explore the environmental impact of phosphoric acid production
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Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and professionals involved in fertilizer production or water treatment processes will benefit from this discussion.

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Approximately 12 million kilograms of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are produced annually for fertilizers, detergents, and agents for water treatment. Phosphoric acid can be prepared by heating the mineral fluoroapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F) with sulfuric acid in the presence of water.

Ca5(PO4)3F + 5H2SO4 + 10H2O 3H3PO4 + 5CaSO4.2H2O + HF

If every kilogram of fluoroapatite yields 4.00E2 g of phosphoric acid, what is the percent yield?

I don't get this question! I tried it several times and keep getting the question incorrect. Please help!
 
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