Question

The purpose of this experiment is to form 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinic anhydride by way of a Diels Alder reaction between anthracene and maleic anhydride, as shown in the reaction below. Anthracene acts as the diene and maleic anhydride functions as the dienophile. Xylene (dimethylbenzene) is used as a high boiling temperature solvent so that the reaction will proceed quickly.

Give 5 observations that occurred for a Diels-Alder reaction between maleic anhydride, anthracene, and xylene and why those observations occurred (yes it is one reaction) it will form 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinic anhydride.

- have to be physical observations only which are things that can be seen or feel

Please answer only if you know

Answer 1

1. In the above process, the reactivity of anthracene is very low. Therefore to enhance the rate of reaction, the temperature is made high.The boiling point of Xylene is very high which facilate the reaction to occur fast.

2. Second it does not freeze when cooled to ice water tempetrature.

3. Third the reactant is more soluble in Xylene as compared to its product therefore easily crystalization of product takes place.

4. Anthracene + maleic anhydride + xylene solvent ----------> yellow color.

The yellow color disappear after reflux of the above mixture is due to the formation of product i.e. 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-alpha,beta-succinic anhydride.

5. Presence of faint smell due to the production of 9,10-dihydroanthracene-9,10-α,β-succinic anhydride.