Determination of Unknown Liquid (2-Butanol)
-1Determination of an Unknown Liquid (2-butanol) Through Fundamental Analysis
Lee Billips
Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive. Shippensburg, PA, 17257.
Abstract: The identification and characterization of unknowns are an important part of organic chemistry. It is fundamental to know experimental methods to deductively identify compounds (1) . The determination of unknown #6 (2-butanol) was identified by a series of test; first taking the boiling point (94-96 C), performing a solubility test, Beilstien test, Ignition test, and the appropriate functional group tests. An infrared spectrum and an NMR spectrum were then obtained and confirmation of the compound was proved.
2-butanol (sec-butyl alcohol)
Introduction: The determination of unknowns is an important skill to organic chemist that involves choosing of appropriate tests, analysis/observation, and deductive reasoning to precisely categorize and identify the compound. The physical description is essential to observe to get an idea of what substance you are working with (state, color, and odor). In this case all unknowns were liquids, but throughout testing if a chemical reaction occurs with your unknown it is necessary to compare its properties to its original stature. Prior to any testing the unknown sample should be purified through some form of distillation to ensure accuracy and precision. Distillation is the process of vaporizing a liquid, condensing the vapor, and collecting the condensate in another container(2) . The technique is useful in separating liquid components that have different boiling points (impurities). The boiling point is also an important characteristic of a liquid that should be recorded. (2)The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid (inverted capillary test). A solubility test on the unknown liquid was another fundamental part of the
Lee Billips
Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive. Shippensburg, PA, 17257.
Abstract: The identification and characterization of unknowns are an important part of organic chemistry. It is fundamental to know experimental methods to deductively identify compounds (1) . The determination of unknown #6 (2-butanol) was identified by a series of test; first taking the boiling point (94-96 C), performing a solubility test, Beilstien test, Ignition test, and the appropriate functional group tests. An infrared spectrum and an NMR spectrum were then obtained and confirmation of the compound was proved.
2-butanol (sec-butyl alcohol)
Introduction: The determination of unknowns is an important skill to organic chemist that involves choosing of appropriate tests, analysis/observation, and deductive reasoning to precisely categorize and identify the compound. The physical description is essential to observe to get an idea of what substance you are working with (state, color, and odor). In this case all unknowns were liquids, but throughout testing if a chemical reaction occurs with your unknown it is necessary to compare its properties to its original stature. Prior to any testing the unknown sample should be purified through some form of distillation to ensure accuracy and precision. Distillation is the process of vaporizing a liquid, condensing the vapor, and collecting the condensate in another container(2) . The technique is useful in separating liquid components that have different boiling points (impurities). The boiling point is also an important characteristic of a liquid that should be recorded. (2)The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid (inverted capillary test). A solubility test on the unknown liquid was another fundamental part of the