Yield and atom economy

• What is the formula for percentage yield?

  Percentage yield = (Amount of product produced / Maximum amount of product possible) x 100
• Why might it not be possible to obtain the calculated amount of a product?

  Because the reaction may not go to completion, product may be lost, or reactants may react differently.
• What does the term 'yield' refer to in chemistry?

  Yield refers to the amount of product obtained.
• How do you calculate the theoretical mass of a product from a given mass of reactant?

  1. Calculate moles of reactant: mol = mass / molar mass
  2. Use balancing numbers to find moles of product.
  3. Calculate theoretical mass: mass = mol x molar mass
• What is atom economy?

  Atom economy is a measure of the amount of starting materials that end up as useful products.
• Why is high atom economy important?

  It is important for sustainable development and economic reasons.
• What is the formula for calculating atom economy?

  Atom economy = (Mr of desired product from reaction / Sum of Mr of all reactants) x 100
• What factors might influence the choice of a particular reaction pathway?

  • Atom economy
  • Yield
  • Rate
  • Equilibrium position
  • Usefulness of by-products