Question

A lower yield of phosphonium salt is obtained in refluxing benzene than in xylene (Experi- ment 43A). Look up the boiling points for these solvents, and explain why the difference in boiling points might influence the yield

Answer 1

Benzene has a boiling point of 80.1 ºC, while xylene has a boiling point of 139 ºC, indicating that benzene has a lower temperature than xylene, this means that the reaction will be carried out at a lower temperature.

High temperatures will favor creating products with higher performance since more energy is available. Instead at lower temperatures, the reaction may not continue at the same rate, so the products will form very slowly and will not form completely, resulting in poor yield.

Step-by-step explanation: