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The published specific rotation of +-phenylsuccinic acid is +173.3 degree (Shira

ID: 529422 • Letter: T

Question

The published specific rotation of +-phenylsuccinic acid is +173.3 degree (Shiraiwa, T., Sado, Y., Fukjii, S., Nakamura, M., Kurokawo, H., Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan (1987), 60, 824-827). Our polarimeter has 1 dm cells that contain 8 mL of solution. Assume that we want to see about 10 degree of rotation. What mass of product should be dissolved in the 8 mL? Outline a procedure to make a solution of the resolved 1-phenylsuccinic acid in acetone that fits the above criteria for determination of its specific optical rotation.

Explanation / Answer

Ans. Part 1: Specific rotation of a solution is given by-

            [a]lT = 100a / lc                                           - equation 1

Where,

            [a]lT = specific rotation in degrees (equivalent to dm cm2 g-1)

            a = observed rotation

            l = cell path length in decimeter

            c = concentration of solution in g/ 100mL

Putting the values in

            173.30 = 100 x 100 / (1 x c)

            Or, 173.30 / 10000 = 1 x c

            Or, 1.733 = 1 x c

            Or, c = 1.733

Therefore, concentration of the solution = 1.733 g / 100 mL

Note: Convert (if needed) all values in their respective specified units

Do not use units while doing calculation.

Concentration obtained is in terms of “g/ 100 mL” as mentioned in formula.

Since the density of solvent is 0.8 g/mL (exact value = 0.791), the 1 dm cell can hold a maximum of 8.0 mL solution.

Part 2: Given, volume of solution = 8.0 mL

Concentration of solution = 1.733 g/ 100 mL                  - from part 1

Now,

Mass of +-phenylsuccinic acid required = Concentration x Volume of solution

                                                            = (1.733 g/ 100 mL) x 8.0 mL

                                                            = 0.1386 g

Solution preparation: Transfer 0.1386 g of the solute to standard volumetric flask. Make the final volume upto the mark with acetone. Mix well to make a homogenous solution. It is the desired solution.