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Refractive Index of Carbon Tetrachloride

The document discusses the principles of light refraction and the use of refractive index to determine the concentration and identity of chemical compounds. It outlines a procedure for measuring refractive indices using a refractometer and presents calculated versus measured values for various substances. Additionally, it compares specific refraction values derived from different methods, highlighting discrepancies between them.

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wycliffbagoolekato
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6 views4 pages

Refractive Index of Carbon Tetrachloride

The document discusses the principles of light refraction and the use of refractive index to determine the concentration and identity of chemical compounds. It outlines a procedure for measuring refractive indices using a refractometer and presents calculated versus measured values for various substances. Additionally, it compares specific refraction values derived from different methods, highlighting discrepancies between them.

Uploaded by

wycliffbagoolekato
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ABSTRACT

THEORY

When a ray of monochromatic light passes from one medium to another, it is bent, or refracted.
The degree of this refraction is given by the equation:
n₁ sin i / sin r = V₁ / V₂,
where n is the index of refraction, i is the angle which the oncoming ray of light makes with a
line perpendicular to the surface which separates the two mediums; r is the angle which the
refracted beam, travelling in the second medium, makes with reference to a line perpendicular to
the surface; V₁ is the velocity in the first medium, and V₂ is the velocity of light in the second.
Usually the refractive index given in the tables refers to the refraction measured when the light
emerges from the substance.

The refractive index may be used to determine concentration of mixtures, to establish the identity
and purity of a chemical compound, and as a valuable aid in proving the structure of a
compound.
Refractive index, in conjunction with density, may serve as a aid in proving the structure of a
new compound through the use of specific refraction R_D, which is defined by the equation:

RD=(Nd^2-1/Nd^2-2)1/d

where n_D is the refractive index of the substance using the sodium D line, and d is the density
of the substance at the same temperature. This measured specific refraction can then be
compared with that calculated from structural considerations. Two systems are now commonly
used: one based on atomic retroactivities and the other based on atomic and structural
retroactivities.

In both cases the component retroactivities for any given structure are added up, and this sum
(the molar refraction) is divided by the weight of the given structure. For most types of organic
compounds, measured specific refraction should not differ from the calculated refraction by
more than 1 percent

PROCEDURE

The refract meter was placed on the table near a window, but not in the direct sunlight, connected it to
the thermostat with rubber tubing and circulated the water through the prism in a slow steady stream.
The liquid is introduced with a pippete into the hole at the edge of the prism. The telescope is then
swung towards the operator. The setscrew is loosened on the movable arm and the latter is slowly
rotated untillvthe boarder between the light and the dark fields near the intersection of the cross hairs

The setscrew is then tightened and the telescope swung until untill the faces of the prism are horizontal.
The mirror is then adjusted to reflect the sunlight into the prism and the compensator was rotated until
the boundary was as sharp as possible.

Using the fine adjustment, the prisms are rotated until the boundary is somewhat above the
intersection of the cross hairs
The screw was then turned until the boundary passes through the intersection of the screw hairs, the
vernier was read to four decimal places and the temperature recorded. Five refractive index evading
were obtained. The prism was opened and cleaned with a little alcohol and lens paper.

The refractive indices of water, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, the two pure unknown liquids, the
aqueous solutions of ethyl alcohol 5, 10, and 15 percent

TREATMENT OF RESULTS

Calculated refractive indices: general formular; Nd(t)=m-n(t-25)

Water: 1.3325-1.1E-4(20-2 ) =1.33305

Bezene: 1.4981-6.3E-4(20-25)=1.50125

CCl4:1.4576-5.5E-4(20-25) =1.46035

COMPARISION OF REFRACTIVE INDICES( MEASURED AND CALCULATED) OF WATER BENZENE AND


CARBONTETRACHLORIDE

Water; the measured value(1.346236) is lower that the calculated(1.33305)

Benzene;the measured value (1.500698) is lower than the calculated (1.50125)

CCl4; The measured value (1.460228) is higher than the calculated(1,46035)

GRAPHICAL INTERPRETATION

Table of concentrstions and their corresponding refractive indices

Percent concentration(w/w)% Refractive index


5 1.336854
10 1.336854
15 1.317842

A GRAPH OF THE PERCENT CONCENTRATIONS AGAINST REFRACTIVE INDECES


SPECIFIC REFRACTION OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

Specific refraction= (1.460228^2-1)/(1.460228^2-2)*1/1.59

=5.15045

The specific refraction from bond refractivity=6.51

COMPARISION; That calculated from bond refractivity is higher than that calculated using the formular
above.

Common questions

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Atomic and structural retroactivities impact the calculation of molar refraction by determining the refractive contribution of individual atoms and the overall molecular framework. These contributions are quantified and summed to derive the molar refraction, which is then compared against the molecular weight to provide insights into the compound's refractive properties relative to its structure. This methodology enhances the understanding of how individual atomic properties and larger structural formations influence the overall refractive behavior of the compound .

Specific refraction is critical in determining the structure of a compound as it quantifies how much a compound's refractive index deviates when considering its density. It combines atomic and molecular considerations, allowing comparison between measured and calculated values based on structural models. The accuracy of these measurements (within 1% margin) can confirm structural hypotheses, aiding in identifying structural deviations or confirming the compound's identity .

Improper calibration of the refractometer can lead to systematic errors such as incorrect refractive index readings. These might result from misaligned optical components, leading to parallax errors, or incorrect temperature management causing thermal distortions. Dust or residue on the prism, incorrect alignment of the telescope or mirror, and uncontrolled environmental conditions can also contribute to inaccurate readings .

Temperature corrections in refractive index calculations account for changes in density and the refractive behavior of substances due to temperature variations. The adjusted formula Nd(t)=m-n(t-25) adjusts refractive indices to a standard temperature, mitigating discrepancies caused by thermal expansion or contraction, thus ensuring more accurate and comparable results across different conditions .

The refractometer procedure was designed to ensure accuracy by positioning it away from direct sunlight and ensuring a steady flow of water to maintain a constant temperature around the prism. The adjustability of the telescope, setscrew, and mirror allowed precise alignment and calibration. Additionally, the careful cleaning of the prism and precise reading of the refractive indices to four decimal places were crucial in minimizing potential sources of error .

The relationship between concentration and refractive index, as depicted in the graphical interpretation, shows that as concentration increases, the refractive index also increases, reflecting a direct relationship. However, at higher concentrations, the refractive index tends to decrease, indicating possible anomalies such as saturation limits or interactions affecting light propagation .

The difference between measured and calculated refractive indices can indicate discrepancies in experimental conditions or measurement errors. For instance, if the measured refractive index of water (1.346236) is higher than the calculated one (1.33305), it might suggest impurities or measurement errors. Conversely, if the measured indices for some substances are lower, such as benzene (measured: 1.500698, calculated: 1.50125), it might be due to equipment calibration issues or environmental factors affecting the refractive index .

The significance of aligning the light-dark boundary with the crosshairs in refractometer readings lies in achieving precision and accuracy. It ensures that the reading taken directly correlates with the angle of minimal deviation, reducing parallax errors and leading to more reliable refractive index measurements. Proper alignment minimizes systematic errors in interpretation of the fringe pattern .

The specific refraction value for carbon tetrachloride, calculated as 5.15045, was found to be lower than the value obtained from bond refractivity calculations (6.51). This discrepancy suggests that the bond refractivity method predicts a stronger interaction with light than measured, hinting at possible assumptions in the bond approach or experimental errors affecting the refractive measurement .

The refractive index is useful for determining the identity and purity of a chemical compound because it provides a comparative basis when the measured index is compared to known standards or theoretical values. In conjunction with density, it assists in proving the structure of a compound through specific refraction calculations. If the measured specific refraction does not differ from the calculated refraction by more than 1 percent, it indicates a close match to the expected structure and purity .

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