The Kinetics of Solvolysis

KINE0733

The Kinetics of Solvolysis of 2-Chloro-2-methylpropane

Jessica Thurman-Holt Mary Bingham

Abstract

This experiment demonstrated a solvolysis reaction of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane in 2-propanol-water. The reaction is monitored through product analysis, allowing the determination whether the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane used in the mixture.

Background Information

The experiment requires knowledge of conduction titration and using standard base solution and an acid-base indicator. The experiment emphasizes nucleophilic substitution and two associated methods, Sn1 and Sn2. The difference between the two methods is the time it takes to break and form the required bonds within the solution.

Materials and Methods

A mixture of 50 mL 2-propanol-water and 2 drops of phenolphthalein was added to a 125-mL flask. Next, a 50mL buret was cleaned by rinsing it with distilled water and 0.339M of NaOH solution. The clean buret was filled with the NaOH solution and an initial volume was recorded to the nearest 0.02mL. The flask was placed beneath the buret on the Fisher Scientific Hot/Stirring plate (serial # 70801257) and 1.00 mL of 2-choro2-methylpropane was added to the reaction mixture and the timer was started.

The experiment continued with the addition of 1-2 mL of NaOH solution to the mixture, which turned the solution pink, as soon as the solution returned to its colorless state the volume and time was recorded. This was repeated until the reaction was almost 75% completed due to time constraints.

The solution was then placed in a 400mL hot water bath for 15 minutes in order to complete the reaction. Next, the solution was cooled to room temperature and titrated to the phenolphthalein end point with NaOH solution with the final end point recorded.

Results

The results and values of the experiment are listed in the table below. Note that the volumes of NaOH solutions delivered, not the actual buret