Silava, Nash Daniel E 2009-05789

Experiment 17 Analysis of an Organic Compound

INTRODUCTION
This experiment was designed to test the skills and techniques learned during the previous experiments and to apply these to identify the given compound by the instructor. This experiment involved the identification of the solubility class of the compound using different reagents. The tests for functional groups were then designated using the solubility class. that the compound did not have Nitrogen or a sulfur atom. The list for possible compounds was then obtained by entering the data gathered into the Merck Index. The functional group test was then conducted and the compound was tested for the presence of phenol and carboxylic acids. The gathered data was then sufficient to prove the unknown compound and the experiment ended.

METHODOLOGY RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The compound was a white solid and had an appearance similar to granules of crystals. Upon exposure to air, it exuded an odor similar to that of acetic acid. It melted upon exposure to the flame and gave a sooty yellow flame. The melting point was initially determined by forcing particles of the compound into small capillary tubes that were attached to a thermometer and were placed in an oil bath. The setup was then heated and the temperature was recorded from the moment the first drop appears until the solid became liquid. Next, the solubility class of the compound was tested by observing its reaction or mixture with water, a polar substance. Then it was then mixed with 5% NaOH and 5%NaHCO3. The instructor then announced

Trial Melting Point (C) 1 140-145 2 138-143 Figure 1: Melting Point Determination

True MP 135

The experimental melting point obtained was close to the actual melting point but did not reach it exactly. 2 ranges of melting points were obtained but were not close enough to the true melting points of the substances. Trial 1 Figure 2: Solubility Class Solubility Class A1

The compound was immiscible with water, which meant it was non-polar. It dissolved after addition of 5% NaOH and it

produced effervescence upon its reaction with 5% NaHCO3. This proved that the compound was highly polar and belonged to solubility class A1. Name Aspirin
CO O H O CH 3

Structure

MP (C) 135

The compound was positive for the phenol group and was positive for the carboxylic acid test. The student was baffled and upon consultation with the instructor, it was learned that the unknown compound was a phenol derivative and turned positive for the phenol tests yet had a carboxylic acid group. This eliminated Anthranol as a choice and the unknown compound was identified as Aspirin.

REFERENCES:
[1] The Merck Index, Thirteenth Edition. Merck & Co., Inc., 2001 [2] Institute of Chemistry, UP Diliman. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual, 2008 edition

Picolinic acid
N C OOH

134 -136

Anthranol
OH

120

Figure 3: List of possible compounds These were the possible compounds for the compound. Picolinic acid was eliminated after the instructor confirmed the absence of Nitrogen atom. Test Lucas
Reactions of Phenols

Reagent Lucas Rgt KMnO4 Br2 in H2O NaHCO3

Observat ion No reaction decoloriz ation

Inference
Not an alcohol having lesser than 5 carbons

With phenol group With phenol group With COOH group

White ppt Carboxyl effervesc ic acid ence Figure 4: Functional Group Test

Phenol