A Volatile Liquid Data Analysis

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For the Identification of a Volatile Liquid Data Analysis I had the unknown number A53826. There are many ways that I used to determine the identification of the liquid. Some characteristics of the liquid that will help further in my research are that the liquid was colorless with a harsh strong odor. Before I did my research there were many components I did to help with my research. I first started by performing an experiment that helped determine the mass of my sample. The mass of my sample is one of the key components that will help me determine the moles of my sample. By using the ideal gas law (PV=nRT to n= (PV)/RT) using the mass of my sample in grams, the temperature of my sample after it evaporated during the double-boiling lab, the atmospheric pressure in the room using a barometer, and the volume of the flask I found the moles of the sample (approximately 0.00530 moles). Using the moles I found the molecular weight (mass of sample/ moles of sample). The average molecular weight was 94.9 g/mol. I first started my research by calculating the empirical formula by doing a combustion analysis for 2.0000 grams of my sample unknown (CxHyCLz) yielding 1.7787 grams of carbon dioxide and 0.7294 grams of water. By finding grams of carbon from the amount of grams in carbon dioxide, and finding grams of hydrogen from the amount of grams in water I added the two together (grams of carbon and hydrogen) and then subtracting it from 2.0000 grams of the sample to get my grams of chloride. I then converted the grams to moles and divided it by the smallest amount of mole ratio to get my empirical formula, CH_2 Cl. By using the empirical formula mass, 49.477 grams, and the molecular weight of my sample, 94.9 g/mol, I was able to find my mol...

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... dichloroethane the density was 1.24 (1,3) making it most likely the unknown. Another property was the boiling point. The boiling point of the unknown during the experiment was 86.6 ℃; in comparison 1,2- dichloroethane was ±0.03℃ within the range, 83.3 ℃ (1,3). Lastly, to top it all the IR spectrum was closely related to the IR of the unknown. Researching the identity I also found a physical description of 1,2- dichloroethane that matched my description of the unknown, “Colorless liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor” (1). I learned in the experiment that the numbers from my results for the unknown does not have to be exact for it to be identified. As long it is in a certain range the unknown should be known by using research and background knowledge. I also learned that there are many factors that can affect an experiment whether it is systematic or random.

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