Answer 4.3.1: Why we may or may not need to choose a basis in this problem

Problem:

The reaction between propane and hydrogen chloride to form propyl chloride and hydrogen is carried out in a continuous reactor. The product stream is analyzed and found to contain 27.45 mole% C3H7Cl, 27.45 mole % H2 and 14.6% HCl. The feed to the reactor contains only propane and hydrogen chloride. Calculate the fractional conversion of the limiting reactant and the percentage by which the other reactant is in excess. If the molar flow rate of the feed stream is 290 mol/s, what is the extent of reaction? (Give its numerical value and its units.)

Explanation:

Now we know we want our basis to be chosen for the product stream. We can add that information to our schematic if we've already drawn it. We can also think about other things we could do with that information.

Let's wait to use the basis until later, though, so we can go back and finish seeing which steps are important to our overall solution. Write down the following number so you can move on after you've gotten all the steps right:

55







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