Question

Explanation of product isolation and purification of methyl m-nitrobenzoate

(here is a summary of what the experiment entails: In this experiment, methyl m-nitrobenzoate will be prepared by the reaction of nitric acid and methyl benzoate in the presence of sulfuric acid catalyst. Synthesis of methyl m-nitrobenzoate will occur by placing methylbenzoate and concentrated sulfuric acid in a vial. An air condenser will be used to hold the vial in an ice bath. Concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid will be placed in a separate vial. This acid mixture will then be added through the air condenser. The beaker of water will be replaced with water at room temperature. Product isolation will also take place. The reaction mixture will be transferred to a beaker containing crushed ice. Pipet filtration (or vacuum filtration) will occur. The product will be washed with cold water and ice cold methanol. The product will be recrystallized from methanol.)

Answer 1

Product isolation and purification

Methyl m-nitrobenzoate is a solid which precipitates out of reaction solution after nitration when it is poured in ice cold water. Methanol is added to extract product in it and evaporation of methanol solvent yield the desired product as crude. Purification of compound is achieved by recrystallization from methanol ar elevated temperature. Dissolve the compound is minimum amount of methanol and allow it to cool at room temperature. The product crystallizes out of solution. filtered and washed with ice cold methanol and dried.