Experiment - Claisen Condensation Reactions: In this experiment, we performed a Claisen condensation reaction of ethyl phenylacetate using...

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Chemistry

Experiment - Claisen CondensationReactions:
In this experiment, we performed a Claisen condensation reactionof ethyl phenylacetate using potassium tert-butoxide to form ethyl3-oxo-2,4-diphenylbutanoate and ethanol without using a solvent.This allowed us to reduce waste, have reagents that have arelatively low toxicity level, and made the reaction much moreconvenient.
Question 2: If this reaction were run in asolution (as opposed to solvent-free) it would require severalhours of refluxing and provide a much smaller yield. Why is thisthe case?
I cannot seem to find an answer to this question. The only thingthat I can find is that the reaction is reversible when a solventis used (which I'm assuming means that the reaction is notreversible when there is no solvent). If this is correct, why isthe reaction reversible when a solvent is used, and not reversiblewhen a solvent is not used?
A source for the answer would be appreciated if possible.
Thank you for the help in advance!

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert

4.1 Ratings (808 Votes)

AnswersThe intermolecular distance and thereactivity plays an important role If a solvent used in the belowreaction then the ethyl phenylacetate molecules got separated bythe solvent molecules which leads to lesser contactsreactivitywith the reagent or catalyst potassium tert butoxide to See Answer

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