Calculating Theoretical Yield Is Not Impossible! a Primer for an Organic Chemistry Lab Course: A Primer for an Organic Chemistry Lab Course

Calculating theoretical and percent yield is a fundamental skill for the laboratory. This book primarily targets Organic Chemistry Laboratory courses at the high school or college and university level, as a supplemental resource to help students master this skill. It begins with simple examples from everyday life, demonstrates the importance of balancing the equation, addresses the role of the mole in these computations, discusses different types of liquids, considers the role of significant figures, and culminates with the planning of syntheses. There are suggestions for further reading as well as practice problems and questions to ensure mastery.

• Begins with examples from everyday life that enable students to understand the concepts of theoretical and percent yield before applying those concepts to the laboratory.
• Addresses the necessity of balancing the reaction equation, the centrality of the mole in these calculations, and the role of significant figures in reporting the answer.
• Explains how to approach the calculations when using neat liquids or solutions.
• The culmination of this text is the use of the same thought processes to plan the amounts of reactants needed for syntheses of desired quantities of product.
• All of the problems in the book include detailed solutions with accompanying text to explain the answers and ancillaries also include suggestions for further reading.

Michael S. Leonard earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Goucher College in 1998 under the direction of Professor David E. Horn. He then transitioned to the University of Pennsylvania for his doctoral studies in the laboratory of Professor Madeleine M. Joullié. After obtaining his Ph.D. in 2003, he joined the faculty of Washington & Jefferson College, where he is a Professor of Chemistry.