I was wonder what bromine/glacial acetic acid solution is used for during the bromination of acetanilide reaction
http://www.reference.com/motif/science/mechanism-of-bromination-of-acetanilide
During the bromination of acetanilide reaction, a bromine/glacial acetic acid solution is used as a reagent. This mixture serves as a source of bromine in the reaction.
To understand the role of this solution, let's break down the reaction:
1. First, acetanilide (C8H9NO) is combined with a bromine/glacial acetic acid solution. The acetic acid serves as a solvent, helping to dissolve the reactants.
2. The bromine in the solution acts as an electrophile, meaning it is an electron-deficient species. It reacts with the acetanilide, which serves as the nucleophile, providing the necessary electrons.
3. The bromine molecule gets substituted for a hydrogen atom in the acetanilide molecule. This results in the formation of 4-bromoacetanilide (C8H8BrNO) as the main product of the reaction.
Now, let's address how to prepare the bromine/glacial acetic acid solution used in the bromination of acetanilide.
The process can be summarized as follows:
1. Acquire glacial acetic acid, which is a highly concentrated form of acetic acid that is pure and free from water.
2. In a fume hood or a well-ventilated area, take appropriate precautions as both bromine and glacial acetic acid can be hazardous. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles.
3. Slowly pour the glacial acetic acid into a suitable container, such as a glass beaker or flask. Ensure that the container can withstand the corrosive nature of the acetic acid.
4. Add the bromine to the glacial acetic acid in small portions while stirring continuously. Take care as the addition of bromine to acetic acid can generate heat and release fumes.
5. Continue adding bromine until the solution turns reddish-brown. This indicates that a sufficient concentration of bromine has been achieved in the solution.
It is important to note that the bromine/glacial acetic acid solution should be handled with caution due to the toxic and corrosive properties of both components. The reaction should also be carried out in a controlled environment, following proper safety protocols.
Overall, the bromine/glacial acetic acid solution is a crucial reagent in the bromination of acetanilide reaction, providing the necessary bromine for the substitution reaction to occur.