Physical Chemistry Laboratory Formal Report

Determination of Vapor Density and Molecular Weight of Acetone using Victor Meyer Method
Magpantay, Sarla V. Ventigan
Group 9, 3Chem Department of Chemistry, College of Science

CHEMISTRY

403L
EXPT 01 PAGE 01 - 07

Jan Rotsen Kyle A. Delos Santos*, Ina Bianca S. Lanuza, Alfred A.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: jrkyle_delossantos@yahoo.com

Abstract
The vapor density and molecular weight of acetone was determined using Victor Meyer method. Acetone was run in a Victor Meyer for three trials. Data recorded for each trial was then used to calculate vapor density giving a value of 4.68x10-3 g/mL for trial 1, 9.57x10-3 g/mL for trial 2, and 7.98x103 g/mL for trial 3. The calculated vapor densities were then applied in the ideal gas law to calculate for the molecular weight of each trial. The values obtained for molecular weight were 0.1433 g/mol for trial 1, 0.2931 g/molfor trial 2, and 0.2444 g/mol for trial 3.

Keywords: vapor density, molecular weight, ideal gas law, Victor Meyer method

Introduction
Each molecule has its own molecular weight. The molecular mass or molecular weight is the sum of the atomic masses of each atom present in the molecule (Chang, 2010). There are many ways of determining the molecular weight of a given sample or molecule. There are different ways of determining molecular weight. One of these is the Victor Meyer method. The

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Victor Meyer method was devised by Victor Meyer for determining the molecular weight of volatile liquids. It is based on Daltons law of partial pressure and Avogadros hypothesis

(http://www.transtutors.com/chemistry-homework-help/basic-concepts-of-chemistry/molecularmass.aspx). This method makes use of sample bulbs that contain the volatile substance which is then broken in a vaporizer tube allowing a displacement in the gas that can be measured via a gas burette. The gas or vapor density of a volatile liquid can then be calculated and the calculated density is used for molecular weight computations (Daniels et al., 1962).

Figure 1 Victor Meyer Apparatus

Vapor density is defined as the density of a gas at any temperature or pressure (Barrow, 1996). It is also related with vapor pressure. Vapor pressure is the pressure that indicates a liquids evaporation rate. All liquids have their respective vapor pressure that varies with temperature (Ball, 2003). Density can be defined as a substances mass divided by its volume. Each substance has also their respective density (Tro, 2010).

The ideal gas law can be used in determining the density of a gas or vapor. The ideal gas law is said to be the perfect gas equation of state. It is the combination of Boyles law, Charless

Physical Chemistry Laboratory Formal Report

law, and Avogadros principle (Atkins, 1993). It is expressed by the equation can be converted to density (Barrow, 1996). ( ) or which

for calculating molecular weight through gas

Acetone is a sweet-smelling volatile liquid commonly used as an organic solvent. It is also known as the simplest ketone (Chang, 2010).

Figure 2 Structure of Acetone

The objective of the experiment is to determine the vapor density of acetone using the Victor Meyer method and to use the calculated density in determining molecular weight.

Methodology
The Victor Meyer apparatus was first set-upped and prepared for use. The steam jacket was then clamped in an upright position and was filled with enough distilled H2O. The vaporizer tube was then suspended in the steam jacket by means of rubber stopper with the vaporizer tube 2-3 cm above the level of the water in the steam jacket. Sample bulbs were then prepared for use. Three bulbs were prepared for the experiment.

The empty sample bulb was first weighed. The weight was then recorded. The sample bulb was then filled with enough sample liquid. The sample liquid assigned for the experiment was acetone. Weight of the sample bulb containing the sample liquid was then weighed and the weight was recorded. The sample bulb was then holed in place at the bottom of the brass tube. A pin through the brass tube limits the extent to which the bulb is inserted. The plunger system was then set in place. The vaporizer jacket was then connected to the gas burette filled with sufficient water. The set-up was then carefully checked for leaks. Heat was then applied to the

Physical Chemistry Laboratory Formal Report

steam jacket until the water level in the gas burette was constant. The reading of the burette was then recorded. The sample bulb was then released and allowed to break in the vaporizer tube. The water level in the gas burette was left to fall until a constant reading was attained. The reading was then recorded. The steps were then repeated for two more trials.

The density of the sample vapor was then computed from the data gathered for all trials. The molecular weight was then computed using the calculated density for each trial.

Results and Discussion

Three trials were made in subjecting acetone to Victor Meyer method. The following data was observed throughout the experiment: weight of sample bulb (g) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 1.3457 1.1942 1.1642 weight of bulb + sample (g) 1.4804 1.2822 1.2584 weight of sample (g) 0.1347 0.0880 0.0942 11.00 12.00 34.60 34.80 21.20 46.40 28.80 9.20 11.80 Vi (mL) Vf (mL) V (mL)

Since in this method there is no need for temperature corrections, the reading before and after the breaking of the sample bulb will give the volume of displaced air which is assumed to be the volume of the vapor at 100oC (http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2012/February/victormeyers-apparatus.asp).

Using the formula

to calculate for density and the ideal gas law to calculate the

molecular weight, the following values were computed:

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Vapor Density (g/mL) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 4.68x10-3 9.57x10-3 7.98x10-3 Molecular Weight (g/mol) 0.1433 0.2931 0.2444

The vapor density of acetone is known to be 2 g/mL with a molecular weight of 58.08 g/mol (http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927062). It is noticed that there is a big

difference between the actual and computed values. Calculating for the error in the results will further show the difference between the actual value and the computed values. Absolute Error (g/mol) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 57.94 57.79 57.84 0.9976 0.9950 0.9959 99.76% 99.50% 99.59% Relative Error Percent Error

It can clearly be seen that the calculated molecular weights were very far off the true value and expected result. The calculated molecular weights, though a bit close, have low accuracy.

There are many possible sources of error for the results obtained in the experiment. One can be because of the instrument itself. The instrument or apparatus used may have contained leaks that were not noticeable causing the recorded value to be lesser than what it was supposed to be. Stoppers may have not been tightly sealed or placed in necessary parts of the apparatus causing loss of vapor during the experiment. The Victor Meyer apparatus used may have been damaged in some way. Another source of error can be within the calculations. The calculated values for molecular weight was derived from using the ideal gas law while assuming the system was at standard pressure which is 101.3 kPa. Still, based on the formula ,

the calculated value for molecular weight for each trial can be seen to be mostly influenced by the value of density. Wrong readings and calculations for vapor density can also be considered as a source of error in the experiment.

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Conclusion
Three trials were done for the determination of vapor density and molecular weight of acetone. The calculated vapor density for acetone gave a value of 4.68x10-3 g/mL, 9.57x10-3 g/mL, and 7.98x10-3 g/mL for each trial respectively. Molecular weight was also computed giving a value of 0.1433 g/mol, 0.2931 g/mol, and 0.2444 g/mol for each trial respectively. Relating the values to the actual molecular weight of acetone gave approximately 99% error for all three trials. The experiment failed to give an accurate value for the results. With this, it can be said that the Victor Meyer method for determination of molecular weight is a fast method of determination, but also a sensitive method being that small problems with the apparatus can give inaccurate results.

In performing the experiment, it is recommended to check for the quality of the apparatus about to be used. Follow the setup procedure carefully in order to obtain correct values. Stoppers and connections should be placed tightly and leaks should be sealed.

References
Atkins, P. W. The Elements of Physical Chemistry; Oxford University Press: USA, 1993; pp 1118. Ball, D. W. Physical Chemistry; Brooks/Cole: USA, 2003; pp 153-154, 169-179. Barrow, G. M. Physical Chemistry (6th Edition); McGraw-Hill: USA, 1996; p 15. Chang, R. Chemistry (10th Edition); McGraw-Hill: New York, 2010; pp 85, 1044. Daniels, F.; Alberty, R. A.; Williams, J. W.; Cornwell, C. D.; Bender, P.; Harriman, J. E. Experimental Physical Chemistry; McGraw-Hill: New York, 1962; pp 9-13. Tro, N. J. Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach; Pearson Education Inc.: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2010; pp 18-19, 89-92, 176-177. http://www.transtutors.com/chemistry-homework-help/basic-concepts-of-chemistry/molecularmass.aspx (retrieved on December 15, 2013)

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http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927062 (retrieved on December 15, 2013) http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2012/February/victor-meyers-apparatus.asp (retrieved on December 15, 2013)

Appendices
Sample calculations: Computing for density: Trial 1: Trial 1: Absolute Error:

Trial 2:

Trial 2:

Trial 3:

Trial 1:

Computing for molecular weight:

( )( )( )

Percent Error: Trial 1:

Trial 1:

Trial 2:

)(

)(

Trial 2:

Trial 3:

)(

)(

Trial 1: