Why is the actual yield of a reaction almost always smaller than the theoretical yield? Can the percent yield of a chemical reaction ever exceed 100%?
2006-09-27 15:20:58 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
theorectical yield is higher as it does not include yield loss due the physical transfer between reactions...
in actual reactions...especially when u change ur glassware, or filter...some residue is bound to be left on ur wares...
thus, actual yield is usually lower than the theorecticals'....
acutal yield can sometimes be higher than theorectical...
but it would signify that your compound is not pure or not dry enough...
2006-09-27 15:31:02 · answer #1 · answered by juz_moi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The percent yield of a reaction can never exceed 100% unless you break the first law of thermodynamics. You can never get more matter out of a system than you put in it.
The actual yield is usually lower because the reagents may get caught up in side reactions, or different chemical pathways that form a by-product. Also many reactions do not go to completion and form equilibria with their starting products. There are several other examples of how reactions go a stray leading to a less than optimal yield.
2006-09-27 15:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by DrSean 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋