How to make formic acid (from oxalic acid)
Resumo
TLDRIn this video, the presenter demonstrates how to synthesize formic acid from oxalic acid using glycerin as a catalyst. The process begins with measuring 100g of oxalic acid dihydrate and 50g of glycerin, along with sand for even boiling. A simple distillation setup is created, and the mixture is heated to around 110°C, resulting in the release of CO2 gas and the formation of formic acid. The reaction mechanism involves the formation of an ester that decomposes into glycerin and formic acid. The distillation yields approximately 57g of crude formic acid, which is about 57% of the initial oxalic acid used. The presenter notes that further purification will be done in a future video.
Conclusões
- 🔬 Formic acid is synthesized from oxalic acid.
- ⚗️ Glycerin acts as a catalyst in the reaction.
- 🌡️ Temperature control is crucial during distillation.
- 💨 CO2 gas is released during the reaction.
- 🧪 The distillate indicates the presence of formic acid.
- 📏 The yield of crude formic acid is about 57%.
- 🧊 Cooling water should be monitored to maintain yield.
- 🧪 Purification will be done using lead nitrate later.
- ⏳ The distillation process takes approximately 30 minutes.
- ⚠️ Safety precautions are necessary to avoid contamination.
Linha do tempo
- 00:00:00 - 00:05:05
The video demonstrates the process of synthesizing formic acid from oxalic acid, highlighting its various applications in organic chemistry. The presenter notes the unavailability of commercial formic acid, prompting the need for a DIY approach using readily available and inexpensive oxalic acid dihydrate. The preparation involves weighing 100g of oxalic acid dihydrate and adding 50g of recycled glycerin as a catalyst, along with sand to ensure even boiling. The setup for simple distillation is established, with a thermometer and Liebig condenser in place, and a sodium hydroxide solution is prepared to react with the CO2 produced during the reaction. As the mixture is heated to 110°C, CO2 gas is released, indicating the reaction's progress. The mechanism involves the formation of an ester between glycerin and oxalic acid, leading to the production of formic acid and CO2. The distillation process takes about half an hour, yielding approximately 57g of crude 52% formic acid, representing a 57% yield relative to the oxalic acid used. The presenter acknowledges the inefficiency of the method due to CO2 loss and plans to purify the acid in a future video.
Mapa mental
Vídeo de perguntas e respostas
What is formic acid used for?
Formic acid has various applications in organic chemistry, including the formation of esters.
Why is oxalic acid used instead of other acids?
Oxalic acid is more readily available and cheaper compared to other acids.
What role does glycerin play in the reaction?
Glycerin acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of formic acid.
What is the significance of the temperature during the reaction?
The temperature needs to be monitored to ensure the reaction proceeds correctly and to avoid dangerous side products.
How is the purity of formic acid improved?
Purification can be done using lead nitrate in a later step.
What safety precautions should be taken?
Care should be taken to avoid pulling the hydroxide solution into the formic acid during cooling.
What is the yield of formic acid in this experiment?
The yield of crude formic acid is approximately 57% based on the oxalic acid used.
What happens if water-free oxalic acid is used?
Using water-free oxalic acid would lead to the decomposition of the ester, resulting in unwanted byproducts.
How long does the distillation process take?
The distillation process takes about half an hour.
What is the boiling point of the distillate?
The distillate boils at about 100°C, indicating the presence of formic acid.
Ver mais resumos de vídeos
- formic acid
- oxalic acid
- glycerin
- synthesis
- distillation
- organic chemistry
- catalyst
- yield
- purification
- reaction mechanism