[jrpestana]

In my preparation of n- butyl bromide experiment, I was able to calculate the following data.

Theoretical Yield
12.15 g -- 0.164 moles 1-butanol
22.47 g n-butyl bromide

Exp. Yield
10.71 g n-butyl bromide for a 47.66% yield.

Now suppose I isolated the di-n-butyl ether (and determined it weigh 0.8g)... how would I determine the percent yield of the ether and how would I be able to show the effect the maximun possible weight of n-butyl bromide?

You think I'm to calculate a new theoretical yield for the ether and then use the simple percent yield calculation? They do not give me any other figure for the ether so I wonder if I would just relate it to my currrent theoretical yield.
Thanks in advance for inputs...  

[movies]

First write out the balanced equation for the formation of dibutyl ether.  Then figure the theoretical maximum yield of dibutyl ether (assume that this would be the only reaction occuring).  Then divide your experimental yield by this theoretical maximum.

That should do it.

[jrpestana]

(CH3CH2CH2CH2OH)2 ---> CH3CH2CH2CH2--O(+)--CH2CH2CH2CH3 ??

This is how I calculated my theoretical yield.

15 mL 1-butanol x 0.810 g 1-butanol / 1 mL 1-butanol =
12.15 g 1-butanol

12.15 g 1-butanol x 1 mole 1-butanol / 74.12 g 1-butanol =
0.164 moles 1-butanol

0.164 moles 1-butanol x 137.03 g n-butyl bromide / 1 mole n-butyl bromide = 22.47 g n-butyl bromide

Percent Yield

8.4 mL n-butyl bromide x 1.275 g n-butyl bromide / 1 mole n-butyl bromide =
10.71 g  n-butyl bromide

Experiment yield / Theoretical yield x 100%
10.71 g  n-butyl bromide / 22.47 g n-butyl bromide x 100% = 47.66% yield

So you're saying place the MM of of di-n-butyl ether (which I don't have) in the place of the MM of n-butyl bromide?... and divide my exp yield by that number?... I'm still a bit lost... Thanks for the help

[movies]

You should really just weigh your product.  It'll be more accurate than converting the volume via the density.  Otherwise, the process seems okay.

For the dibutyl ether, what would be the balanced equation for the formation of this product?

[jrpestana]

It's a hyp. question in the lab manual... still completely lost....  have no clue as to the equation... thought it was the one in my post.

[movies]

Oops!  I didn't see it there.  Okay, you are missing one byproduct.  What else is produced in the reaction along with the ether?

How many molecules of butanol do you need to make a molecule of dibutyl ether?