Getting the most from reactants Flashcards
What is the goal when producing something new?
To maximise profit and minimise the impact on the environment
What is a raw material?
A substance that is found naturally
What is a feedstock?
A chemical from which other chemicals can be extracted or made, originating from raw materials
What are the environmental considerations when making a new product?
-Recycle byproducts or starting materials back into the reaction
-Avoid side reactions which produce toxic byproducts
-Use a catalyst where possible
-Utilise exothermic reactions to produce heat which can be stored and reused later in the reaction process
What is molar volume?
The volume of one mole of gas
How can the molar volume of a gas be calculated?
Gram formula mass divided by density
Why is percentage yield rarely 100%?
A portion of the yield can be lost:
-When transferring mass during reactions
-By mechanical losses
-When carrying out purification of product
-Through side reactions
-By the position of equilibrium
What is percentage yield?
A measure of the degree to which the limiting reactant is converted into the desired product
What is atom economy?
A measure of the proportion of the total mass of all starting materials converted into the desired products
What does 100% atom economy show?
There is no byproducts or waste in the reaction
What is the limiting reactant?
The reactant which is used up completely
What is the reactant that is in excess?
Any reactant that is left unreacted
