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Percentage Yield Formula:
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Percentage yield is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction or process. It compares the actual amount of product obtained (actual yield) to the maximum possible amount that could be obtained (theoretical yield) under ideal conditions.
The calculator uses the percentage yield formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the theoretical maximum yield was actually achieved in the reaction or process.
Details: Percentage yield is crucial for evaluating reaction efficiency, optimizing processes, calculating economic viability, and identifying potential issues in chemical synthesis or manufacturing processes.
Tips: Enter both actual and theoretical yields in grams. Both values must be positive numbers, with theoretical yield greater than zero for valid calculation.
Q1: What is considered a good percentage yield?
A: In organic chemistry, yields above 70% are generally considered good, while yields above 90% are excellent. However, this varies by reaction type and complexity.
Q2: Why might percentage yield be less than 100%?
A: Common reasons include incomplete reactions, side reactions, product loss during purification, measurement errors, or experimental limitations.
Q3: Can percentage yield exceed 100%?
A: While theoretically impossible, yields over 100% can occur due to measurement errors, impure products, incomplete drying, or the presence of solvents or impurities.
Q4: How does percentage yield differ from atom economy?
A: Percentage yield measures experimental efficiency, while atom economy measures theoretical efficiency based on molecular weights of reactants and desired product.
Q5: When is percentage yield most important?
A: It's particularly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial chemical production, and research where reaction efficiency impacts cost, sustainability, and scalability.