(a) What is the saponification equivalent of n-propyl acetate? (b) There are eight other simple aliphatic esters that have the same saponification equivalent. What are they? (c) In contrast, how many simple aliphatic acids have this equivalent weight? (d) Is saponification equivalent as helpful in identification as neutralization equivalent?

n-propyl acetate's molecular formula is \(C_6H_12O_2\).

Using the molecular formula, we can calculate its molecular weight: Molecular weight = \(6 \times 12.01 (C) + 12 \times 1.01 (H) + 2 \times 16.00 (O)\) Molecular weight = \(72.06 + 12.12 + 32.00\) Molecular weight = \(116.18\)

Saponification equivalent of n-propyl acetate = Molecular weight of n-propyl acetate / number of ester groups. In n-propyl acetate, there is only one ester group, so the saponification equivalent is the same as its molecular weight: Saponification equivalent = \(116.18\) #b) Identifying other simple aliphatic esters with the same saponification equivalent#

First, we will focus on simple esters with aliphatic acids. Some possible structures of esters with an equivalent saponification number of 116.18 include: 1. methyl valerate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 2. ethyl butyrate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 3. propyl propanoate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 4. isopropyl propanoate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 5. butyl formate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 6. isobutyl formate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 7. pentyl methanoate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) 8. hexyl methanoate (\(C_6H_12O_2\)) /c) Finding the number of simple aliphatic acids with the saponification equivalent of 116.18/

Considering that the saponification equivalent of simple aliphatic acids is twice their molecular weight, we can find the corresponding molecular weight of an aliphatic acid with saponification equivalent 116.18: Molecular weight = Saponification equivalent / 2 Molecular weight = \(116.18 / 2\) Molecular weight = \(58.09\)

Since there is no simple aliphatic acid with a molecular weight close to 58.09, there are 0 simple aliphatic acids with this equivalent weight. #d) Discussion on the helpfulness of saponification equivalent in identification compared to neutralization equivalent#

Saponification equivalent is helpful in identifying esters, as it considers both the weight of the acid and alcohol combined. It can also identify esters of the same molecular weight but with different structures. However, due to the presence of multiple isomers for a given molecular weight, it may not be as specific as neutralization equivalent. Neutralization equivalent is more specific for identifying inorganic and organic acids as it takes into consideration only the molecular weight of the acid. It can identify acids more accurately due to fewer isomers for a given molecular weight. In the case of esters, neutralization equivalent alone may not be as helpful in identification. In conclusion, saponification equivalent is helpful in identifying esters but may not be as specific as neutralization equivalent in the identification process. For acids, neutralization equivalent is more useful for identification.