Question

Melting Point determination. Compare the sample melting point value that was obtained in the lab (which was 75-80^oC) to the literature value and comment on the range of the melting (according to the literature, pure and solvent free acetanilide melts over a ~ 2 ⁰C range). Compare to the m.p. range and behavior of the original impure acetanilide and explain any difference.

Answer 1

Acetanilinde is obtained by reaction of aniline with acetic anhydridde and the product is a mixtrue of acetic acid and acetanilinde.

So the possible impurities are acetic acid, acetic anhydride and aniline

Aniline, acetic acid and acetic anhydride in traces can change in melting point of acetanilide

The literature value of pure and impure acetalinide is 115deg.c and 113 deg.c The range in the lab is much less than that reported in the literature possibly due to the presence of more impurities as discussed above.