16. Organic Synthesis

Question 1

What 5 things are part of the Quickfit apparatus?

Answer 1

round-bottomed/pear-shaped flask
receiver (tap thing)
screw cap adapter (for distillation)
condenser (the main bit)
still head (thing that goes on top of condenser, or rbf in distillation)

Question 2

Why do you commonly heat organic reactions?

Answer 2

overcome activation energy and increase rate of reaction

Question 3

What can you use instead of a bunsen burner if the reactants are flammable?

Answer 3

heating mantle

Question 4

What are anti-bumping granules for?

Answer 4

to ensure the liquid boils smoothly and no big bubbles form which can make the glassware jump

Question 5

A general point:

Answer 5

never put a stopper in the top of a condenser, or it will create a closed system, build up of pressure and the apparatus can explode

Question 6

Why heat under reflux?

Answer 6

enables a liquid to be continually boiled while reaction takes place
prevents volatile components escaping and contents boiling dry

Question 7

What is distillation for?

Answer 7

separating pure liquid from its liquid impurities

Question 8

How do you set up distillation apparatus?

Answer 8

p242
2 clamps, condenser running almost horizontal, still head adapter on top of round-bottomed flask and screw cap adapter + thermometer on top of still-head, tap at the end etc
water always enters condenser at lowest point i.e. receiver end