⚗️ Reaction
C₆H₅NH₂
Aniline
(CH₃CO)₂O
Acetic Anhydride
C₆H₅NHCOCH₃
Acetanilide
CH₃COOH
Acetic Acid
Predict Before You Start
Commit a prediction about the chemistry before running the synthesis. The procedure stays locked until you do.
Lock your prediction to unlock the procedure.
Procedure
1.
Add aniline (2mL) + Acetic anhydride (3mL)
2.
Add zinc dust + glacial acetic acid
3.
Reflux for 15 minutes
4.
Pour into cold water
5.
Filter and recrystallize
Round Bottom Flask
Aniline + Acetic Anhydride
Amber colored mixture
Observations
Begin procedure...
Product Properties:
• White crystalline solid
• Melting point: 113-115°C
• Slightly soluble in cold water
⚠️ Safety — Acetanilide Preparation
- Aniline is toxic: it is readily absorbed through the skin and by inhalation and can cause methaemoglobinaemia. Wear gloves, avoid contact and vapour, and work in a fume cupboard.
- Acetic anhydride: corrosive and a strong lachrymator (irritates eyes/airways) — dispense in a fume cupboard and keep away from water until the quench step.
- Glacial acetic acid: corrosive with pungent vapour; handle with care and goggles.
- Reflux heating: use anti-bumping granules, never a sealed apparatus, and let glassware cool before handling. Flammable organic vapours — no naked flames nearby.
- Waste: dispose of filtrate (acetic acid / aniline residues) as chemical waste, not down the sink.