Physical Properties of Organic Compounds- Differences in Miscibility of Organic Alcohols With Increasing Chain Length

Differences in Miscibility of Organic Alcohols with Increasing Chain Length

Description: Four different alcohols, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, and n-hexanol, are put in large test tubes. Colored water is added to each, and the differences in miscibility with increasing chain length can be seen.

Source: Petr Kuzmic

Year: 1990  Vol:  N/A  Page: N/A

Keywords: Ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, n-hexanol, Miscibility, Chain length, Solubility, Intermolecular Forces

Rating: 

Hazard: Medium

  • Acute toxicity hazard – single exposure, respiratory system, central nervous system
  • Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal
  • Flammable liquids hazard
  • Skin irritation
  • Serious eye damage hazard
  • Short term aquatic toxicity hazard
  • Electric shock hazard

Effectiveness: Good

  • Results are clearly observable without guidance
  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • High reliability
  • Time to results is low
  • Mild effects are seen by audience

Difficulty: Medium

  • Sequential addition of reagents
  • Handling of toxic reagents
  • Simple procedures
  • Experiments in which a display is used
  • Use of flammable reagents

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • ABC fire extinguisher on hand
  • Lab coat recommended
  • Absorbent materials on hand
  • Avoid exposure to mists, vapors and droplets
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area
  • Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
  • Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Organic Chemistry, Intermolecular Forces, Solubility

Division: General, Organic Chemistry