DUMAS METHOD Meaning and
Definition
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The Dumas method is a laboratory technique used to determine the molar mass or molecular weight of a volatile substance, particularly organic compounds. Named after its creator, Jean-Baptiste Dumas, a French chemist, this method involves the measurement of the volume of a gas produced by the compound under controlled conditions.
To carry out the Dumas method, a known mass of the volatile substance is placed in a specialized glass tube, known as a Dumas flask or bulb. The flask is equipped with a long neck and a stopcock to control the flow of the gas. The flask is then connected to a suitable apparatus, such as a manometer or a gas burette.
The substance in the flask is heated, causing it to vaporize and expand into the neck of the flask, displacing any air present. Once the gas in the flask reaches a constant volume, the stopcock is closed, and the apparatus is cooled and returned to normal atmospheric pressure. The volume of the gas is then measured.
Using the ideal gas law, the molar mass of the compound can be calculated by comparing the volume of the gas to the measured mass of the substance used. The Dumas method is particularly useful when dealing with volatile substances that are difficult to weigh accurately or when the compound's purity is in question.
Overall, the Dumas method provides a relatively simple and accurate means of determining the molar mass of volatile organic compounds, making it a widely used technique in both educational and research laboratories.
Etymology of DUMAS METHOD
The term "Dumas method" refers to a technique used in analytical chemistry to determine the molecular weight of a volatile substance. It is named after Jean-Baptiste Dumas, a French chemist who developed this method in the 19th century. Jean-Baptiste Dumas made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry and was particularly known for his work on the determination of molecular weights and atomic weights of various compounds.
