if I had to choose a solvent for a freezing point depression lab...would I choose Chloroform or Benzophenone? and why?
What are the freezing point constants for the two solvents? Wouldn't the larger freezing point constant provide more temperature change and make reading the delta T more accurate (relatively)?
To determine which solvent to choose for a freezing point depression lab, you need to consider the properties of each solvent.
1. Chloroform: Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane (CHCl3), is a common organic solvent. It is a colorless liquid with a relatively low freezing point (-63.5°C) and boiling point (61.2°C). Chloroform is a volatile solvent and can evaporate easily.
2. Benzophenone: Benzophenone (C6H5COC6H5) is another organic solvent used in laboratories. It is a pale yellow crystalline solid with a higher freezing point (48°C) and higher boiling point (305°C) compared to chloroform. Benzophenone is also volatile and can evaporate readily.
In a freezing point depression lab, the solvent is chosen based on its ability to lower the freezing point of the solution. This property allows for more accurate measurements of the freezing point depression and subsequent calculation of the molecular weight of the solute.
Considering the two options, chloroform would be a better choice for a freezing point depression lab. It has a lower freezing point, which means it can produce a larger change in the freezing point of the solution compared to benzophenone. This larger change is advantageous because it leads to a more significant depression and easier measurement.
In addition to the freezing point depression, other factors to consider when choosing a solvent include safety, availability, cost, and compatibility with the solute and experimental conditions. It is important to consult your lab manual or instructor for specific guidelines and information on solvent selection for your experiment.