OBJECTIVE:
EQUIPMENT / APPARATUS:
CHEMICALS:
THEORY
The quantity on the left is the measure of rate of decomposition and is called the reaction velocity.
k is determined by graphical method. Equation (2) is rearranged and integrated
(with in the limits at t = 0, x = 0
at t = t, x = x)
a
ln = kt ----------- (3)
a-x
For a given reaction the just term on the left is a constant. Hence the graph of ln (a-x) vs t is linear and
slope –k. From graph slope k is obtained.
Methyl acetate is readily hydrolysed to give methanol and acetic acid by the reaction.
The reaction is catalysed by hydrogen ions. Water is present in such excess that only methyl
acetate appear to change in concentration, also any back reaction is prevented. Each molecule of methyl
acetate hydrolysed produces one molecule of acetic acid. Hence the increase in acidity is a direct measure
of the amount of ester that has reacted.
Suppose the volumes of standard solution of NaOH required for the neutralization of a known
volume of the reaction mixture at the commencement of the reaction, after time t and at the end of the
reaction are V0, Vt, Vα respectively. Then,
x, the amount of acid formed is proportional to Vt – V0
a, the initial concentration of ester is proportional to Vα – V0
therefore, (a – x), the concentration of ester present at time t is proportional to Vα – Vt
Hence equation (4) can be rearranged to give
Vα – V0
ln = kt ----------(5)
Vα – Vt
PROCEDURE
Rate constant k =
The rate equation for the hydrolysis of methyl acetate is –rA =
OBSERVATIONS
Sample Calculation:
From graph, slope – k =
The rate equation for the hydrolysis of methyl acetate is, -rA = k CAn
-rA =
GRAPH