Acetic Anhydride Synthesis Lab Report

Observations
During the gradual addition of acetic anhydride, the previous solution of aniline later acquired an oil-like layer floating on the surface. Once the mixture was swirled, the solution became cloudy and milky-yellow in colour. The charcoal that was added to the warm solution began clear up the solution. The oil-like droplets began to mix with the solution.

Data and Calculations
See Lab K report sheet that is attached.

Discussion
In this experiment, acetanilide was organically synthesized along with the biproduct of acetic acid. Through the combination of acetic anhydride (C4H6O3) and aniline (C6H7N) the product was attained. Techniques such as purification and processes such as recrystallization, all took place over the course of the preparation of acetanilide. Once the previously hot solution cooled, crystal solid was formed. This product was then further isolated using a vacuum filter, which eliminated the excess solution.
During the gradual addition of 2.5 mL of acetic anhydride, the solution gained an oil-like layer floating on the surface. Once the mixture was swirled, the solution became cloudy and acquired a light-yellow colour upon the synthetization of the product. The solution was exposed to high temperature, which increased the solvent’s solubility. While the solution was in this state, it was

The moles of these two compounds were calculated out to be 0.0220 mol and 0.0264 mol, respectively. Since there were less moles of aniline, this was said to be the limiting reagent for the experiment. In order to find the theoretical yield of the acetanilide, the 0.0264 mol was multiplied by the molar mass, 135.17g/mol. Therefore, the theoretical yield should have been 2.97g of product. However, once the experiment was conducted, only 1.38g of total product was present. Based on this, the percent yield of the product was calculated to be 46.5