Question

In this Diels-Alder reaction, what is the limiting reagent for this reaction? Please show work
In this experiment, a Diels-Alder reaction will be performed to generate 4-cyclohexene- 1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride. The reaction occurs when 1,3-butadiene is combined with maleic anhydride and heated as shown below. Once the product has been isolated, the IR spectrum, melting point, and experimental yield can be determined. 5.- I111NI O Due to the inherent difficulties with the handling of gaseous 1,3-butadiene, it will be generated in situ from 3-sulfolene which is a stable solid at room temperature. Heating the 3- sulfolene results in a rearrangement, producing the gaseous 1,3-butadiene that reacts with the maleic anhydride as it is produced to form the above product.

Answer 1

Solution :

Number of moles of maleic anhydride = Mass/Molar mass

= 1.0 g / 98.06 g mol-1 = 0.0102 mol

Number of moles of 3-sulfolene = mass /molar mass

= 1.8 g / 118.16 g mol-1 = 0.0152 mol

Since, number of moles of maleic anhydride is less than 3-sulfolene. Hence, maleic anhydride will be the limiting reagent.