Student Name: Cory Lincoln Student ID:4000677 Date:20 May 2012 Course and Section Number: SCIN131

003

Lesson 7 Lab: Synthesis of Nylon and Recrystallization

PART 1 Begin by viewing the following Thinkwell video 25.3.2 CIA Demonstration: The Synthesis of Nylon

After you watch the above video, answer the questions below in sufficient detail: (a) (2 pts.) What is the name of the type of reaction that you see in this demonstration? Describe IN YOUR OWN WORDS what happens, generally speaking, in this type of reaction. Answer: The reaction is a condensation polymerization. What happens is different types of lower weight molecules join together in alternating order to form long chains of higher weight molecules.

(b) (2 pts.) There are two chemicals used in this reaction, 1,6-hexadiamine (which is in a water solution) and adipoyl chloride (which is in a hexane solution). Think back to what you learned in this course about solutions and intermolecular forces. Why dont these to mix together (in other words, make a homogenous solution) when combined? Why do they separate into layers? Answer: They separate into layers because the hexane solution is not soluble in water, and they are of different densities.

(c) (2 pts.) What functional groups are the key players in this reaction? How so? Answer: The functional groups are the 1,6-hexadiamine and adipoyl chloride. They each bond on opposite ends to connect to the other molecule type and form a chain.

(d) (2 pts.) Explain, in as much detail as possible, why the nylon is only created at the INTERFACE between these two solutions.

Answer: The nylon is only created at the interface between the two solutions because that is the only place the two types of molecules come in contact while unbonded. The only other contact between opposite types of molecules is when the nylon passes through the upper solution, and by then the molecules are already bonded and there are no free areas for more bonding to occur to create nylon.

PART 2 Please watch the following Thinkwell video: 27.1.10 CIA Demonstration: Recrystallization After you watch the above video, answer the questions below in sufficient detail: (a) (3 pts.) Describe, in as much detail as possible, the process of recrystallization as a method for purification of a solid. How does it work? What do you do? Answer: First, you take the impure solution and bring it to it's solubility limit at 100 deg C. When the solution is cooled, it becomes 'supersaturated', meaning the dissolved solid will recrystallize. To remove the crystals, you use vacuum filtration. This removes the crystals from the solution. The last step is to wash the crystals with a cold solvent, which will remove any impurities coating the surface of the crystals. You now have a purified solid.

(b) (2 pts.) How do you make a supersaturated solution? How is this different than a saturated solution? Answer: To make a supersaturated solution, you first increase the solubility of the solution by increasing it's temperature (100 deg C if it's a water base), then add more solute. Once fully dissolved, you let the solution cool, and the excess solute will crystallize in a pure form as the solubility decreases with the temperature.

(c) Describe what happens when solute is added to: [i] (1 pts.) a saturated solution Answer: The solute will not dissolve in a saturated solution because it is already at it's maximum solubility.

[ii] (1 pts.) an unsaturated solution Answer: The solute will dissolve into the solution.

[iii] (1 pts.) a supersaturated solution Answer: There are two possible answers to this one. If you add solute when the temperature is increased, the solubility is increased as well, so as long as It hasn't reached the expanded solubility it will dissolve. If, however, you are referring to adding it to a cooling solution that has already been turned into a supersaturated solution, the solute will not dissolve, and will sit in the solution along with the recrystallized pure form of the solute.

(d) (2 pts.) What is the role of vacuum filtration in this process of Recrystallization? How do you do it? Answer: Vacuum filtration is used to separate the recrystallized solute from the saturated solution, and and further purify it. This is done by using a vacuum filter flask, a buchner funnel, a piece of filter paper to cover the holes, and a vacuum. Once the crystals are separated, you rinse them with a cold solvent to remove any surface impurities.

(e) (2 pts.) Suppose we are dealing with potassium nitrate as opposed to the chemical in the video. If a solution contains 28 g of potassium nitrate per 100 g of water at 25 degrees Celsius, is the solution unsaturated, saturated, or supersaturated? You may want to refer to Figure 13.4 in your text for help. Answer:

DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE REFERENCES IN ORDER TO FULLY DEVELOP YOUR ANSWERS AND GO BEYOND THE BASICS OF THE QUESTION!!!