LIMITING REACTANT LAB

Andrew Farmer
Block 2B

ABSTRACT
This experiment tests the laws of limiting reactants. Limiting reactants put a limit on the
amount of each product that can be produced in a chemical reaction, leaving behind a certain
amount of excess reactant. Using aqueous solutions to produce a solid precipitate, we designed
an experiment with a limiting and excess reactant and predicted the measurements of the
product. We hypothesized that the number of moles of the limiting reactant would be the same as
the number of moles of the product. In turn, we predicted an exact measurement of the product
before the reaction even took place. My hypothesis was supported. This experiment involves the
use of aqueous solutions and glassware. Safety precautions should be taken at all times in the lab.

INTRODUCTION
In this self-designed experiment, we combine two aqueous solutions in order to yield
another aqueous solution and a solid precipitate. Calculating the molar mass for each product and
writing a chemical equation enables us to determine which reactant is limiting and which is
excess. We can therefore choose measurements that will theoretically produce the highest
possible yield. We will then compare the actual yield to the theoretical yield and calculate a
percent yield.
The term limiting reactant refers to a specific reactant in a chemical reaction or
equation which limits the amounts of the other reactants along with the products. Chemical
equations are proportional by the number of moles of each substance involved. Products with the
same coefficients will be present in the same amount of moles. In actual world, as opposed to the
theoretical world of chemical calculations, substances do not exist in proportional amounts. This
means that in real-life reactions, at least one reactant will be left over because it is limited by
the laws of proportions, as well as by the laws of conservation of matter. This reactant is
therefore called the excess reactant.
I hypothesize that if 2.5 grams of sodium carbonate is used and if 5.04 grams of calcium
nitrate, then sodium carbonate is the limiting reactant. 2.362 grams of calcium carbonate should
be produced so that has the same molar proportions as the limiting reactant: sodium carbonate.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In this experiment, the materials that I used were sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and
calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2). I used distilled water, a wash bottle, two 150 mL beakers, one 250
mL Erlenmeyer flask, and two stirring rods. I used two sheets of filter paper, a triangular pipe
stem, one iron ring, a funnel, and a watch glass.
First, in this experiment, I obtained 2.5 grams of sodium carbonate and 5.039 grams of
calcium nitrate. These two solid substances were made into their own aqueous solution by adding
them to distilled water and stirring. I then combined the two aqueous solutions. Next, I obtained
two sheets of filter paper and weighed them. Together, the filter papers weighed 2.58 grams. I set
up the filter papers in a triangular pipe stem and filtrated the solid precipitate that formed from
combining the two aqueous solutions. I then dried the precipitate by placing on the watch glass
with the filter papers. I let this happen until the aqueous solution stopped dripping out of the
filter. The next day, after being heated and dried overnight, I weighed the mass of the filter paper
containing the precipitate calcium carbonate. In order to determine the mass of the precipitate, I
subtracted the mass of the filter paper from the mass of both.
Caution. Aqueous solutions are used in this experiment and may splash. Safety goggles
were worn at all times during this experiment. Several pieces made of glass are in use; if any
glassware is broken, do not touch the broken glass. Notify the instructor of the lab immediately.
Due to the use of chemicals, hands must be washed with soap and water before leaving the
laboratory.

RESULTS

REACTANTS
Molar mass
Mass used

Na2CO3
105.99 g/mol
2.5 g

Ca(NO3)2
164.1 g/mol
5.039 g

Moles used

0.0236 mol

0.0307 mol

PRODUCT
Molar mass:

CaCO3
100.09 g/mol

Mass produced:
Moles produced:

2.365 g
0.02363 mol

DISCUSSION
I decided that sodium carbonate would be my limiting reactant. Using 2.5 grams is using .
02358 moles of sodium carbonate. In the chemical equation Na2CO3 + Ca(NO3)2 2 NaNO3 +

CaCO3, the mole to mole ratio between sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate is 1 to 1.
Therefore, the number of moles used of Na2CO3, the limiting reactant, should be the same as the
number of moles produced of CaCO3. In order to obtain this highest possible yield of calcium
carbonate, I choose to use 5.039 grams of calcium nitrate, the same as .0307 moles. I used
slightly more than .02358 moles because calcium nitrate is the excess reactant. Some will be
leftover after the reaction occurs: approximately .0071 moles.
My hypothesis was supported in this experiment. By calculating molar masses, mole
conversions, and theoretical yields, I was able to predict that .02358 moles of calcium carbonate
would be produced: the same as 2.362 grams. The amount of calcium carbonate actually
produced was 2.365 grams. This is only .003 grams greater than my hypothesis. This
measurement difference may have been caused by contamination or by leftover water molecules
in the filter paper. I obtained approximately the same amount of moles of calcium carbonate as
the amount of moles of sodium carbonate, the limiting reactant.

CONCLUSIONS
Since the same number of moles of calcium carbonate, the precipitate, was produced as
the number of moles of sodium carbonate, the limiting reactant, I obtained a 100.13% yield.
Assuming that the extra .13% was caused by contamination of water or particles in the air, I
achieved a 100% yield, the highest possible yield given the measurements of sodium carbonate,
the limiting reactant.
REFERENCES

Janet S. Dodd; The ACS Style Guide, Manual for Authors and Editors, 2 nd edition,
American Chemical Society; Washington D.C., 1997

Science Department Faculty of BMHS. Limiting Reactant- Guided Inquiry laboratory

experiment Handout. 2013-2014. Print.

Kotz, John C., and Paul Treichel. Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity. South Melbourne,
Vic., Australia: Thomson-Brooks/Cole, 2003. Print.