If methyl benzoate is the limiting reagent, and 1.3 g of methyl benzoate were used for this reaction, what is the theoretical yield of the mono nitration reaction? (hint: the product formula is C8H7O4N)

The theoretical yield is 1.73 grams

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Mass of methyl benzoate = 1.3 grams

Molar mass methyl benzoate = 136.15 g/mol

methyl benzoate = C8H8O2

Step 2: The balanced equation

C8H8O2 + HNO3 → C8H7O4N + H2O

Step 3: Calculate moles methyl benzoate

Moles methyl benzoate = mass / molar mass

Moles methyl benzoate = 1.3 grams / 136.15 grams

Moles methyl benzoate = 0.00955 moles

Step 4: Calculate moles C8H7O4N

For 1 mol methyl benzoate we need 1 mol HNO3 to produce 1 mol C8H7O4N and 1 mol H2O

For 0.00955 moles methyl benzoate we'll have 0.00955 moles C8H7O4N

Step 5: Calculate mass C8H7O4N

Mass C8H7O4N = moles * molar mass

Mass C8H7O4N = 0.00955 moles * 181.1455 g/mol

Mass C8H7O4N = 1.73 grams

The theoretical yield is 1.73 grams