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The amount of paracetamol in a sample needs to be determined - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 9
The amount of paracetamol in a sample needs to be determined. The UV absorption spectrum of paracetamol is shown. Based on the absorption spectra provided, which s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The amount of paracetamol in a sample needs to be determined - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Based on the absorption spectra provided, which solvent should be used to determine the amount of paracetamol?
Answer
To determine the amount of paracetamol using UV absorption, it is essential to select a solvent that does not interfere with the absorption of paracetamol at its characteristic wavelength.
From the UV absorption spectrum of paracetamol, we can observe a peak around 300 nm, which is where the absorption is significant.
Analyzing the provided solvents:
- Solvent A shows absorption peaks that interfere with the paracetamol peak, hence making it unsuitable.
- Solvent B has minimal absorption in the region near 300 nm, but the peak overlaps slightly, leading to potential inaccuracies.
- Solvent C has high absorption throughout the analyzed wavelengths and cannot be used.
- Solvent D shows no significant absorption around the 300 nm peak of paracetamol, indicating that it is a suitable choice for the quantification of paracetamol.
Therefore, Solvent D is the best choice for determining the amount of paracetamol.