b. How does the overall reaction account for the formation of a brown gas in the condenser during the reflux. Hypothesize why the brown gas appeared in the condenser, but not directly above the refluxing solution

Answer 1

The overall reaction in the condenser during the reflux involves the reaction between the volatile substances produced during the reaction and oxygen in the air.

The brown gas formed in the condenser is likely due to the oxidation of organic compounds produced during the reaction. These organic compounds can be volatile and will react with the oxygen present in the air. This reaction leads to the formation of colored compounds, resulting in the brown gas observed.

However, the brown gas does not appear directly above the refluxing solution because the intense heat from the refluxing process causes the vaporized volatile compounds to rise rapidly. As they rise, they cool down and condense in the cooler part of the condenser. The cooling of the vaporized compounds allows them to react with oxygen in the air before reaching the top of the condenser, resulting in the formation of the brown gas in the condenser rather than directly above the refluxing solution.