Preparation of Aldol Condensation Product

Purpose :
The purpose of this lab was to synthesize 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone using an aldo condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and cyclohexanone. The product will be recrystallized using 95% ethanol, then characterized using melting point analysis.



Result:
The final weight of product obtained from the aldo condensation reaction was 0.42g of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone. The melting point obtained of the product was 108°C . The actual melting point of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone,however, is 120°C .
The theoretical weight of the product is
Grams of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone =
moles of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone x molecular weight of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone
moles of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone = moles of ketone used = 0.002mols
Theoretical weight = 274.36grams/mols x 0.002mols = 0.548grams.
Therefore, percent yield of product :
0.42/0.55 x 100%=76.5%

Discussion :
The yield of the product was 76.5% of 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone, and the melting point was 108°C, which was about 12°C different from the actual melting point expected of the product. This discrepancy in result is due to some errors from the procedures. One source of the error may have been from the transfer of the product from one beaker to another after the reaction. During the process of transfer, some of the product may have been lost, which contributed to the lower yield of the product. Nonetheless, the product obtained was 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone because it had similar properties.

Conclusion:
The purpose of theis experiment, which was to synthesize 2,6-Dibenzalcyclohexanone was accomplished with the method and procedure used in the experiment even though the yield was lower than expected. This experment, however, could be improved if the experiment is designed in such a way that tranferring product from one