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Comparison of Three Isomers of Butanol

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Comparison of Three Isomers of Butanol

SCH 4UI

Abstract

The Hydroxyl group on alcohols relates to their reactivity. This concept was explored by answering the question “Does each alcohol undergo halogenation and controlled oxidation?” . Using three isomers of butanol; the primary 1-butanol, the secondary 2-butanol and the tertiary 2-methyl-2-propanol, also referred to as T-butanol, two experiments were performed to test the capabilities of the alcohols. When mixed with hydrochloric acid in a glass test tube, the primary alcohol and secondary alcohols were expected to halogenate, however the secondary and tertiary ended up doing so. This may have been because of the orientation of the Hydroxyl group when butanol is in a different …show more content…

Three test tubes were placed in a test tube rack..

2. Using a clean eye dropper, 2 drops of 1-butanol were placed in the first tube, 2 drops of 2-butanol were placed in the second tube, and 2 drops of T-butanol were placed in the third tube.

3. Under a fume hood, drops of concentrated HCl(aq) were added to each test tube.

4. Each mixture was shaken gently and subsequently returned to the test tube rack.

5. The tubes were observed for approximately a minute, noting any evidence of cloudiness.

6. The mixtures were then correctly disposed of, and steps 1. and 2. were repeated.

7. To each fresh tube of alcohol, 2 mL of 0.01 mol/L KMnO4 was added, and step 4. was repeated.

8. The Tubes were observed for a final 5 minutes, noting any color changes in the solutions.

Observations and Results

Table 1.1 – Structural Diagrams of Isomers of Butanol.

|2-butanol |1-butanol |2-methyl-2-propanol |
| | | OH |
|OH | || |
||

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