1. What is Theoretical Yield?

The theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that can be produced in a chemical reaction based on the amount of limiting reagent. It represents the ideal outcome with 100% efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the theoretical yield formula:

Where:

• \( \text{moles limiting} \) — Moles of limiting reagent (mol)
• \( \text{stoich} \) — Stoichiometric ratio of product to limiting reagent
• \( \text{MW} \) — Molecular weight of product (g/mol)

Explanation: The calculation accounts for the mole ratio between reactants and products in the balanced chemical equation.

3. Importance of Theoretical Yield

Details: Theoretical yield is crucial for determining reaction efficiency (actual yield/theoretical yield × 100%), planning chemical syntheses, and optimizing reaction conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter moles of limiting reagent, stoichiometric ratio (from balanced equation), and molecular weight of product. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between theoretical and actual yield?
A: Theoretical yield is the calculated maximum possible, while actual yield is what you actually obtain in the lab (always ≤ theoretical yield).

Q2: How do I identify the limiting reagent?
A: The limiting reagent is the reactant that produces the least amount of product based on stoichiometry.

Q3: What causes actual yield to be less than theoretical?
A: Side reactions, incomplete reactions, purification losses, and measurement errors all reduce actual yield.

Q4: Can theoretical yield exceed 100%?
A: No, though measurement errors might make it appear so. Percent yields >100% suggest impure products or measurement mistakes.

Q5: Is this calculator suitable for all reaction types?
A: It works for any stoichiometric reaction where you know the limiting reagent and product stoichiometry.