Production of Materials - Experiments

Identify data, plan and perform a first-hand investigation to compare the reactivities of appropriate alkenes
with the corresponding alkanes in bromine water
Aim: To compare the reactivity of cyclohexane and cyclohexene using bromine water
Method:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Perform the experiment in a fume cupboard

Add 5 drops of bromine water to 3 separate small test tubes
Add 3 drops of cyclohexene to one of the test tubes. Record observations.
Add 3 drops of cyclohexane to one of the other test tubes. Record observations.
Record any changes of the control test tube

Equations:
(i):

()

(ii):

(
()

(iii):

()

(
(

(
(

)
)

- forming 1-hydroxy-2-bromocyclohexane
)

()

- forming bromocyclohexane

Cyclohexene and cyclohexane are used because they are odorous, colourless and more chemically stable than their
linear counterparts.
Results:
Hydrocarbon
Cyclohexane (C6H12)

Structural formula

Cyclohexene (C6H10)

Reaction with Bromine

- Light brown solution
- Bromine water is red-brown colour, i.e. NO REACTION
- After leaving the solution for a few hours, colour
appears lighter
- Organic layer of cyclohexane on top with the aqueous
bromine water below.
- Colourless solution
- Bromine waters red-brown colour rapidly fades, i.e.
REACTION
- Organic layer of 1-hydroxy-2-bromocyclohexane is at the
top and water is the bottom layer

Discussion:
Explanation:

Cyclohexane
o Undergoes a slow substitution reaction catalysed by UV light
o Layers form due to difference in solubility
Cyclohexene
o Undergoes a rapid addition reaction
o Layers form due to difference in solubility

Reliability
Accuracy

Repeat experiment more than three times

Perform each iteration in the same area to maintain constant UV exposure
Use laboratory grade reagents to prevent contamination
Brendan Trinh | HSC Chemistry 2012

Validity

Using cyclohexane and cyclohexene rather than their linear counterparts as

they are odorous, colourless and more chemically stable so it is easier to
observe chemical reactions
Use a control to ensure that reactions dont occur by other external factors

Safety:
Chemical
Cyclohexane

Risks
-

Cyclohexene

Bromine water

Highly volatile & flammable

Vapours may cause dizziness or
suffocation
May cause lung damage if
ingested
Toxic by all means of exposure
Highly volatile & flammable
Contact with combustible
material may cause fire
May form explosive peroxides
May cause lung damage if
ingested
Toxic by inhalation
Toxic to aquatic organisms
Dangerous for the ozone layer
Releases toxic fumes, inhalation
can cause headaches,
respiratory problems

Precautions
- Keep away from flames/sources of ignition
- Wear goggles and gloves
- Perform experiment in a well-ventilated
area (fume cupboard)
- Do not inhale vapour
-

Keep away from flames/sources of ignition

Keep away from combustible material
Avoid contact with eyes (goggles)
Do not breathe vapour
Perform experiment in a well-ventilated
area (fume cupboard)
Keep locked up
Do not breathe vapour
Use only in well-ventilated areas (fume
cupboard)

Diagram:

Solve problems, plan and perform a first-hand investigation to carry out the fermentation of glucose and
monitor mass changes
Aim: To ferment a glucose solution and to monitor the mass change involved
Method:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Pour 125mL of lime water, Ca(OH)2, in to a 250mL beaker.

Weigh the beaker including its contents recording the initial weight.
Add glucose in aqueous form, water and yeast in to a conical flask.
Swirl the contents and weigh the flask and the contents, recording the initial weight.
Attach a stopper with a gas transfer tube on to the conical flask with the other end of the tube 1cm deep
inside the beaker with lime water
6. Periodically reweigh the conical flask and the beaker every 2 hours.
Brendan Trinh | HSC Chemistry 2012

Results:

Mass lost from fermentation vessel was similar to mass gained in beaker of limewater
White milky precipitate formed in the beaker of limewater
Reaction flask had a pungent smell

Discussion:
Explanation:

Fermentation reaction occurs in reaction flask forming ethanol and CO2

o
( )
( )
( )

CO2 is transferred by tube to beaker of limewater, forming precipitation (indicates CO2)

( ) ( )
o
( )
( )
()

Found that
of reaction flask and beaker were similar
o Conservation of mass in a closed system
o Not perfect as gas can be lost during weighing where equipment is removed

Reliability

Accuracy
Validity

Repeat the experiment 3 times

Perform the experiment with the same equipment, yeast source and glucose source
each time
Use calibrated measuring equipment to determine masses
Ensure that there are no leaks in the gas transfer tube
Use fresh substances as yeast can die and invalidate the experiment

Safety:

Dried yeast: Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact with skin.

Diagram:

Identify data sources, choose resources and perform a first-hand investigation to determine and compare
heats of combustion of at least three liquid alkanols per gram and per mole
Aim: To determine and compare heats of combustion of at least three different alkanols per gram and per mole
Method
1. Pour 100mL of water in to a copper can.
2. Clamp the copper can on to a retort stand.
3. Ignite one of the spirit burners and adjust the height of the copper can so the tip of the flame touches the
bottom of the can.
Brendan Trinh | HSC Chemistry 2012