Adipic acid, C6H10O4, is a raw material for the making of nylon and it can be prepared in the laboratory by the following reaction between cyclohexene, C6H10, and sodium dichromate, Na2Cr2O7 in sulphuric acid.
3 C6H10(l) + 4 Na2Cr2O7(aq) + 16 H2SO4(aq) --------->
3 C6H10O4(aq) + 4 Cr2(SO4)3(aq) + 4 Na2SO4(aq) + 16 H2O
There are side reactions. These plus losses of product during its purification reduce the overall yield. A typical yield of purified adipic acid is 68.6%.
(a) To prepare 12.5 grams of adipic acid in 68.6% yield requires how many grams of cyclohexene?
(b) The only available supply of sodium dichromate is its dihydrate, Na2Cr2O7.2H2O. (Since the reaction occurs in an aqueous medium, the water in the dihydrate causes no problems, but it does contribute to the mass of what is taken of this reactant). How many grams of this dihydrate are also required in the preparation of 12.5 grams of adipic acid in a yield of 68.6%?