SN1 Reaction Experiment, Synthesis of tert-Butyl Chloride, Part 2: Carrying out the reaction

This organic chemistry lab video covers the synthesis of tert-butyl chloride by an SN1 reaction. The experiment discusses carbocations, the SN1 substitution reaction, how an E1 reaction competes, and describes purification of the product by simple distillation. This video covers carrying out the reaction, including use of a separatory funnel, washing the liquid product, and drying with magnesium sulfate.

[@annaocean11]

Thank you this was very helpful! what clarifying does adding NaCl do to the organic mixture? what molecule are you attempting to remove during that step?

[@e.t.5714]

Thank you Brant, organic chemistry experiments can be difficult to visualize therefore difficult to prepare for, this was incredibly helpful!

[@cayendo2473]

is the aqueous layer hydrochloric acid?

[@cayendo2473]

is the aqueous layer hydrochloric acid?

[@biancablake939]

why is a fluted filter paper used for the experiment?

[@BrantKedrowski]

Fluted filter paper has higher surface area and generally works better than a plain cone of filter paper. Using fluted filter paper isn’t essential, but it can make filtration much faster.