Dioxane Synthesis and Combustion

1,4-Dioxane is a useful solvent in chemistry. It is synthesized by dehydration of ethylene glycol in anti-freeze with a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid found as a liquid drain opener. After the first reaction, impurities are condensed and water is removed with sodium hydroxide, which can be found as a solid drain opener, and the product is re-distilled. A small quantity of dioxane is then burned.

Dioxane is a flammable, carcinogenic organic solvent. Steps should be taken to minimize all exposure, including gloves and good ventilation. Open flames should be extinguished before performing this experiment. Dioxane can form explosive peroxides during storage, and the standard caution towards this issue is necessary.

The reaction seen here is:
2*C2H6O2 (l) → C4H8O2 (g) + 2*H2O (g) (Catalyzed by H2SO4 (l))

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Science & Technology

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• Dioxane 1

[PEROXOR]

"Schickes Ding!" - we would say, in Germany :D.

Nice synthesis!

But is your distillation apparatus fully closed??? This can be very dangerous in case of pressure. I allways do even a vacuum delivery adapter between receiving flask and cooler. (I hope you understood, I have to learn science specific english a lot :D)

[ReactionFactory]

@PEROXOR

Yes, there was an outlet on one of the necks of the receiving flask going directly into the fan to be vented outside.

[Aranwu]

Could Polyethylene Glycol be use instead of Ethylene Glycol? (I have both and I was just wondering!) THANKS ;D great vid

[ReactionFactory]

@Aranwu

No, but diethylene glycol can be used. It's preferred, in fact.

[TakronRust]

Awesome, I've been looking for a synth for Dioxane. It's the only thing that can dissolve juglone.

[ReactionFactory]

@TakronRust

Just so you know, that's not true. There are many solvents which could dissolve juglone in quantity other than dioxane.

[PyroPudding]

ignore previous comment

[PyroPudding]

Testing if blocked... getting error messages

[nickbhalo]

You guys like your distillation equipment!

[jaws99099]

Once again, nice video! It always amazes me what can be made with off the shelf chemicals!

[TakronRust]

@ReactionFactory Which ones? I've done research and the only recommended one I've been able to find is Dioxane.

[hkparker]

Nice!!