Practical 8 - Nucleophilic Substitution reaction

Question 1

What’s the aim of this practical?

Answer 1

To prepare a pure sample of butan-1-oil from 1-bromobutane and sodium hydroxide

Question 2

What’s the method for this practical?

Answer 2

1. Measure 25cm^3 of CH3CH2CH2CH2Br using a measuring cylinder and decant to a 100cm^3 round bottomed flask - this step should be performed in the fume cupboard
2. Add 25cm^3 of 0.1moldm^3 NaOH solution and a few anti-bumping granules into the round bottom flask. This should also be performed in the fume cupboard
3. Swirl the flask gently to mix the reagents and set up the reflux condenser apparatus for refluxing
4. Turn on the water to run through the condenser
5. Turn on the heating mantle (or hot plate or Bunsen burner) and heat the solution to reflux for 15 minutes
6. Rearrange the apparatus for distillation
7. Distill off the CH3CH2CH2CH2OH produced and collect in a clean, dry 100cm^3 conical flask
8. Record the temperature at which the liquid product is collected

Question 3

Which substances are irritatants in this practical?

Answer 3

NaOH
CH3CH2CH2CH2Br