Answer to Question #170207 in Organic Chemistry for Kiranjeet Kaur

Question

1.      An experiment requires a solution that is 80% methyl alcohol by volume. What volume of methyl alcohol should be added to 200 mL of water to make this solution?

Answer 1

Solution:

The percentage of CH₃OH by volume is defined as:

ϕ_CH3OH = [V_CH3OH / (V_CH3OH + V_H2O)] × 100%

Hence,

ϕ_CH3OH / 100% = V_CH3OH / (V_CH3OH + V_H2O)

80% / 100% = V_CH3OH / (V_CH3OH + 200 mL)

1.25 × V_CH3OH = V_CH3OH + 200 mL

0.25 × V_CH3OH = 200 mL

V_CH3OH = 800 mL

Answer: 800 mL of methyl alcohol (CH₃OH) should be added to 200 mL of water to make this solution.