Experiment 175

Objective

To prepare propanone (acetone) by the dry distillation of calcium ethanoate.

Introduction

Propanone, commonly known as acetone, can be synthesized by the dry distillation of calcium ethanoate. When heated, calcium ethanoate decomposes to produce propanone and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

Reaction:

(CH3​COO)2​Ca → CH3​COCH3​ + CaCO3​​

Materials

Chemicals

·       Calcium ethanoate

·       Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO₄)

Apparatus

·       Flask

·       Bunsen burner

·       Stand

·       Sand bath

·       Beaker for propanone collection

·       Thermometer

Reagents

·       15.369 g of calcium ethanoate

·       Sodium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfate mixture for purification

Procedure

1.    Place the calcium ethanoate in a flask.

2.    Secure the flask on a stand and insert a thermometer and dropper at the flask's mouth.

3.    Heat the flask in a sand bath with a Bunsen burner, ensuring the temperature remains constant.

4.    Collect the produced propanone in a beaker containing a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfate for purification.

Observation

Propanone is collected in the beaker and purified using the sodium bicarbonate and sodium bisulfate mixture.

Questions

1.    What is propanone?

2.    How is propanone purified?

3.    What are some uses of propanone?

4.    How is propanone produced in this reaction?