Experiment on S N 1 versus S N 2 Reactions. This experiment had 1-bromobutane, 1

Question

Experiment on SN1 versus SN2 Reactions.

This experiment had 1-bromobutane, 1-chlorobutane, 2-chlorobutane, 2-bromobutane, 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, and 2-bromo-2methylpropane with 4 drops of each added to their own test tubes and 2 mL of 15% NaI in acetone added to each test tube as well. The test tubes that did not have a precipitate form was heated at 50 degrees Celsius.

Next, the same six alkyl halides listed above were used in six different tests tubes (4 drops of each) with 2 mL of 1% AgNO3 in ethanol added. The test tubes that did not form a precipitate were heated at 80 degrees Celsius.

The addition of heat typically increases the rate of a reaction. In this experiment, the reactions were heated to 50 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius. Why were these temperatures chosen? (Hint: Think about the solvents.)

Explanation / Answer

The boiling point of acetone is 56oC, so if it is heated more than 50oC then the solvent would eveporate out and the experiment would not be successful.

Same for the ethanol, its boiling point is 78.4oC, so heating above 80oC would result in a dry test tube which will cause the reaction mixture to charring. Experiment will fail.

No solvent in any reaction can be heated more than its boiling point in an open test tube!

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