Make p-Toluenesulfonic Acid

In this video we make p-Toluenesulfonic acid from sulfuric acid based drain cleaner and paint thinner containing toluene.

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[blackmagicprod]

Loved the last 5 minutes explaining the mechanism for para- favoritism. We really appreciate that you don't dumb it down unnecessarily for the camera. Keep it up!

[charlesthomas]

That's the best analogy of steric effect ever. Thanks Nurd!

[Qalnut]

The bit at the end was gold! Very clear exposition with nice figures to show what's happening visually. Thanks for including it.

[edgeeffect]

"Two guys is a washroom with a row of urinals".... throw in a bit of quantum mechanics and it all makes sense. Excellent explanation Dr. Lithium.

[Joseanfer-zszm]

Another special thing about p-toluenesulfonic acid (or TsOH, as short) is that it's one of the few solid acids you will probably see.
Something really useful to do with sulfonic acids like this, is to convert alcohols into sulfonic esters, which can act as excellent leaving groups

[corybackus]

I have been watching this channel for years. I don't understand most of what is explained and demonstrated, but I find it very enjoyable to watch.

[synthesizer]

I love your use of urinal etiquette to describe para substitution.

[glorylord]

Looks like I’m staying up another 15-20 min, thanks NR

[Mageling]

THat last 5 minutes was an entire lecture in my O-chem class... And you explained it better

[theyaoster]

I appreciate the effort you put into the lesson at the end; as someone who only "studied" chemistry in high school, I found it insightful.

[garethdean]

I would argue that the resonance forms are just a way of rationalizing things too. There's no 'switching' going on in benzene or any other aromatic compound, those bond lengths ARE identical and not just because the atoms are jumping around faster than we can see. The multiple possible, equal-energy states are merged into one hybrid state and that's the be-all and end-all of it.

[Alan]

Nothing better than a little chemistry at 5 in the morning :, )

[AcoAegis]

I've been following your channel about 10 years now, and I'm so happy you explained the bits at the end. I really appreciate how clear it was as well. Thanks Nurdrage

[oak_meadow]

Dear Prof. N. Lithium; Just a note to say thank you for sharing the wonderful lab aspirator build you detailed. I viewed it last night and immediately went into Ebay and got a stainless aspirator and a 1/2 hp 160psi pump. I built myself a bunsen a la Doug's Lab, to flare off noxious gases including an input for O2 when I need more complete combustion. As an BSEE I love all things technical or math based. I had 2 years of inorganic chem, but wanted to study organic, you made it possible. Between you and Vogel's 1st & 5th edition, I am learning little by little. Thanx for your kindness Bill from Texas

[johnathancorgan]

Thanks for the reaction mechanism explanation at the end--it really is useful in explaining *why* reactions occur the way they do, and not just *how*.

[LuckyThatGuy]

I just finished my ochem classes last semester, but I'm glad I could still follow everything you said, even at the end. Another great video!

[Arcoverde]

It's awesome that I understood the explanation today and didn't quite get it 3 yrs ago, I am learning, and quickly

[lstein]

Really enjoyed the ending where you explained the reaction in more depth. Hope that you can do this a little more often because it nice to review old organic chemistry material.

[jeremxd]

Woke up, and saw new NurdRage. It will be a good day :)

[calyodelphi]

I definitely loved that explanation at the end of the video. Suitably high-level for those of us who savor it. <3