Carboxylic Acid Lab Report

The weight of the final product was 0.979 grams. A nucleophile is an atom or molecule that wants to donate a pair of electrons. An electrophile is an atom or molecule that wants to accept a pair of electrons. In this reaction, the carboxylic acid (m-Toluic acid), is converted into an acyl chlorosulfite intermediate. The chlorosulfite intermediate reacts with a HCL. This yields an acid chloride (m-Toluyl chloride). Then diethylamine reacts with the acid chloride and this yields N,N-Diethyl-m-Toluamide. In figure 1, there are no carboxylic acids present. This proves that the reaction occurred successfully because the starting material (carboxylic acid) was not present in the final product. Also there were no halides in figure 1. This proves that the reaction was successful. When looking at an IR spectrum of N, N – Diethyl-m-Toluamide, figure 1 looks very similar. This also proves that the reaction was successful and that most likely, N,N – Diethyl-m-Toluamide was made.

By doing this, it will remove more impurities from the product and therefore a greater percent yield would increase. Another way to improve this experiment would be to let the sodium sulfate sit in the organic layer longer. One source of error would be imperfect separation of the ether layer and aqueous layer. Another source of error would be not heating the flask that contained m-toluic acid and thionyl chloride. A practical use for N, N-Diethyl-m-Toluamide would be to repel mosquitoes and ticks. It is very effective against mosquitoes and ticks and it is safe to use on the skin which is why it is one of the main ingredients used in mosquitoes