1. When adding the sodium borohydride solution to the vanillin solution, why are you told to do so in a dropwise fashion?
-So you don't accidentally spill any sodium borohydride
-To prevent formation of unwanted vanillin byproducts
-to prevent formation of unwanted sodium borohydride byproducts
-Sodium borohydride is explosive
-Both A and D above are correct
(I'm leaning towards option C but I also thought it might be D)
I don' know what the question is. What does "Both A and D above are correct" mean.
Question: When adding sodium borohydride solution to the vanillin solution, why are you told to do so in a dropwise fashion?
A. So you don't accidentally spill any sodium borohydride
B. To prevent formation of unwanted vanillin byproducts
C. To prevent formation of unwanted sodium borohydride byproducts
D. Sodium borohydride is explosive
E. Both A and D above are correct
(This experiment was reacting vanillin with sodium borohydride to form vanilly alcohol)
When adding the sodium borohydride solution to the vanillin solution, it is generally recommended to do so in a dropwise fashion. This is primarily to prevent the formation of unwanted byproducts and to control the reaction.
Option A states that dropwise addition is done to avoid spilling sodium borohydride. While this is a valid point, it is not the main reason for adding it dropwise.
Option B suggests that dropwise addition prevents the formation of unwanted vanillin byproducts. This statement is not accurate since the addition of sodium borohydride should actually lead to the reduction of vanillin to a desired product and not the formation of vanillin byproducts.
Option C claims that dropwise addition prevents the formation of unwanted sodium borohydride byproducts. This is the correct reason for adding the sodium borohydride dropwise. Sodium borohydride can react with water or moisture present in the solution to generate hydrogen gas, which can be potentially dangerous. By adding it dropwise, the contact between sodium borohydride and water is minimized, reducing the possibility of unwanted reactions and byproducts.
Option D states that sodium borohydride is explosive. While sodium borohydride can react violently with water or acids, it is generally considered stable and safe to handle under proper laboratory conditions. Therefore, option D is not the main reason for adding it dropwise.
Based on the information provided, option C is the most accurate answer. The addition of sodium borohydride should be done dropwise to prevent the formation of unwanted sodium borohydride byproducts.