What is the purpose of adding NaOH ot the reaction?
This is the from our Benzil Lab.
In the context of a benzil lab experiment, the purpose of adding NaOH (sodium hydroxide) to the reaction is to facilitate the deprotonation of the benzil compound. Here is how you can determine the purpose of adding NaOH to the reaction:
1. Understand the reaction: To determine the purpose of adding NaOH, it is crucial to know the reaction taking place in the benzil lab. Look at the reactants and products involved in the reaction.
2. Identify the functional groups: Examine the structure of benzil and consider the functional groups present in the molecule. Benzil is a diketone, containing two carbonyl groups (C=O) attached to a central benzene ring.
3. Consider the reaction mechanism: In the benzil lab experiment, the addition of NaOH likely serves as a base to deprotonate one of the carbonyl groups in benzil. This deprotonation reaction generates a phenoxide ion, which is formed by removing a proton (H+) from the acidic hydrogen attached to one of the carbonyl groups. This deprotonation forms a phenoxide ion and water as a byproduct.
4. Reflect on the reaction purpose: Once you determine that adding NaOH performs deprotonation, you can then understand that the overall purpose of adding NaOH to the reaction is to facilitate a specific chemical transformation of the benzil molecule. Deprotonation of the benzil molecule can be a crucial step in subsequent reactions and manipulations in the lab experiment.
Remember, it is important to consult the specific lab procedure or instructions for an accurate understanding of why NaOH is added to the benzil reaction in your particular case.