The typical % yield for the reduction of 9-fluorenone using NaBH4 to obtain 9-fluorenol is 80%. In my experiment I obtained 89 %. Can you explain the reasons why my yield is higher? Is it better to obtain a higher yield or a lower yield than the expected one?
I don't know that it's better either way. For a higher yield, it often means the solvent was not completely removed. Another reason is a side product is included.
To explain why your yield of 9-fluorenol is higher than the typical % yield and whether a higher or lower yield is better, let's break it down.
Yield is a measure of how much product is obtained compared to the theoretical maximum amount that could be obtained. The typical % yield is the value that is commonly observed or expected based on previous experiments or theoretical calculations. In this case, the typical % yield for the reduction of 9-fluorenone using NaBH4 is 80%.
There can be several reasons why your yield of 9-fluorenol is higher than the typical % yield of 80%. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Reaction Conditions: It's possible that you optimized the reaction conditions, such as temperature, reaction time, or concentration of reactants, which led to a higher yield. Small changes in reaction conditions can sometimes have a significant impact on the yield.
2. Purity of Reactants: The quality and purity of the reactants used can affect the yield. If you used higher quality or purer reactants, it could contribute to a higher yield.
3. Catalysts or Additives: The addition of catalysts or additives to the reaction mixture can sometimes enhance the reaction and increase the yield. If you used any catalysts or additives that were not used in the typical procedure, it could explain the higher yield.
4. Experimental Technique: Your experimental technique could have been more efficient or precise than the typical procedure, resulting in a higher yield. Perhaps you followed a different procedure, used improved equipment, or employed better separation methods.
In general, a higher yield is typically considered better than a lower yield. A higher yield indicates that more product was obtained, which is desirable from both a practical and economic standpoint. However, it's also important to consider other factors such as cost, safety, and environmental impact. Sometimes, lower yields may occur due to side reactions, impurities, or other limitations. In such cases, the focus may be on improving selectivity, purity, or other aspects of the process rather than solely increasing yield.
To determine the significance of your higher yield, it is also important to consider the reproducibility or the consistency of your results. If you consistently obtain a higher yield in multiple experiments, it may suggest that you have discovered a new and improved procedure for the synthesis of 9-fluorenol.