Chapter 12, Problem 12.115SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The grams of $\text{Y}{\left({\text{OCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_3$ and $\text{Ba}{\left({\text{OCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_2$ required to react with $75.4\text{ g}$ of $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{OCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_2$ in the process of formation of ${\text{YBa}}_{\text{2}}{\text{Cu}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}_{\text{7}}$ superconductor is to be calculated. Also, the grams of product ${\text{YBa}}_{\text{2}}{\text{Cu}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}_{\text{7}}$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The sol-gel method is a process that is used to produce metal oxide powder from metal alkoxide. Alkoxide is alkyl derivative molecule of alcohol. In the sol-gel method, metal alkoxide dissolves in suitable organic solvent and then reacts with water to introduce hydrolysis reaction. In hydrolysis reaction, the metal-alkoxide bonds $\left(\text{M}-\text{OR}\right)$ breaks and metal-hydroxide $\left(\text{M}-\text{OH}\right)$ will form. This new product is known as sol.

After formation of sol, the water molecules from sol molecule get eliminated to form bridge bonding and form a gel-like material. The excess water then removed from heating and convert gel into fine powder.