how do you prepare m-bromophenol (E)?
To prepare m-bromophenol (E), follow these steps:
1. Gather the required materials: bromobenzene, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), ethanol (C2H5OH), a condenser, a round bottom flask, and a stirring bar.
2. Set up a reflux apparatus by connecting the condenser to the round bottom flask. This will allow for a closed system where the reaction can take place with minimal loss of reactants or products.
3. Add 5 grams of bromobenzene to the round bottom flask.
4. Dissolve 4 grams of sodium hydroxide in 30 mL of water, and slowly add the resulting sodium hydroxide solution to the round bottom flask.
5. Add a small magnetic stirring bar to the round bottom flask.
6. Using a heating mantle or a hot plate, heat the reaction mixture at reflux temperature (around 100-110°C) for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Ensure that the reaction mixture remains at constant reflux by maintaining a steady water flow through the condenser.
7. After the reaction time has elapsed, remove the heat source and allow the reaction mixture to cool to room temperature.
8. Carefully transfer the cooled reaction mixture to a separating funnel, and extract the phenol product by adding 20 mL of diethyl ether (C4H10O) and shaking the mixture gently for a few minutes.
9. Allow the layers to separate. The phenol product, m-bromophenol (E), which is less dense than the aqueous layer, should float on top.
10. Carefully drain the lower aqueous layer from the funnel, separating it from the upper phenol layer. If necessary, perform multiple extractions with fresh portions of diethyl ether to ensure complete separation.
11. Transfer the diethyl ether solution containing the phenol to a clean, dry container.
12. To obtain pure m-bromophenol (E), the diethyl ether solution can be dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and then evaporated to remove the solvent. The remaining product can be purified further if desired.
Please note that handling and performing chemical reactions should only be done by trained professionals in a suitable laboratory environment with appropriate safety precautions.