Organic Chemistry- Differences in Miscibility of Organic Alcohols With Increasing Chain Length

Differences in Miscibility of Organic Alcohols with Increasing Chain Length

Four ungraduated cylinders with mixtures of green colored water and different alcohols are shown. The smaller chain length alcohols in the two tubes on the left mix with the green water. The longer chain length in the two tubes on the right do not.

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

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