MODIFIED VICTOR MEYER APPARATUS FOR THE DETERMINA-

TION OF MOLECULAR WEIGHTS

A diagram of the Victor Meyer apparatus for molecular-weight deter-

minations is described and results of a typical determination are tabulated.
The apparatus is constructed of regular laboratory stock and combines ease of
manipulation with a considerable saving of space. Very small quantities of
sample are requir~dfor a determination.

The Victor Meyer method for molecular weight determination is a

standard laboratory experiment in physical chemistry, ( I ) , ( 2 ) , (3). A
-
weiehed amount of the substance with
unknown molecular weight is vapor-
ized, and the volume which it would
have occupied a t the temperature of
the room and under existing pressure
is determined.
The following apparatus was designed
to supply the need of a regulation
Victor Meyer set-up during the course
of experimental work. Constructional
details are shown in the accompanying
figure. Dimensions are variable, the
only requirement being that the inner
test tube be of such dimensions that
the vaporized sample shall not extend
too far up the tube. Otherwise con-
densation of the sample will take place
and vitiate resnlts. The volume of
air displaced by the vaporized sample
is collected in a graduated pipet im-
mersed in a cylinder of water.
To carry out a determination of
vapor density with this apparatus the
rubber stopper is removed from the
top of the T-tube and the liquid in
the outer tube heated to boiling. In
ten minutes the temoerature will be
approximately constant. The cylinder of water is then raised or lowered
till the water level is a t the zero of the graduated pipet. The stopper is
inserted in the T-tube and no change in the water level in the pipet is an
indication that the temperature is constant.
A sample of the substance (0.0200 to 0.0250 g.) is weighed into a
546
VOL.8, NO.3 DETERMINATION OF MOLECULAR WEIGHTS 547

small stoppered bulb and dropped on sand or glass wool in the bottom
of the vaporization tube. The impact together with' the increase in tem-
perature drives the stopper out of the bulb and the substance vaporizes,
driving out an equal volume of air which is collected in the pipet. The
position of the leveling cylinder is now adjusted and the volume of the
displaced air in the pipet is measured. Since the air is measured over
water the pressure to which it is subjected is that of the atmosphere di-
minished by the vapor pressure of water a t the temperature of the room.
Calculation of the molecular weight involves correction of the volume
of displaced air to O°C. and 760 mm. pressure and finding the mass of that
volume of vapor which will occupy 22.4 liters a t 0°C. and 760 mm. pressure.
Convenient formulas for the calculation are given by Bigelow ( I ) , Walker
(2), and Getman (3).
Typical Determination of the Molecular Weight of Benzene (C&L,)
Waighl of Volume of Barometric Moiarulnr
Sample, Vapor, Temp., Prrsrurr IVeiaht
G. Cm." OC. M m . Hp Obr. Cal.
0.0228 7.45 20 742.8 77.1 78.05
0.0202 6.68 Corrected 76.2
0.0148 4.90 725. 4 76.1
Av. 76.5
Literature Cited
BIGELOW. "Theoretical and Phvsical Chemistrv." The Ceutuw Co.. New York
City, 1912, p. 165.
WaLKpn. "Introduction to Physical Chemistry." Sixth edition. The Macmibn
Co., New York City, 1910,p. 198.
GETMAN, "Outlines of Themtical Chemistry," Fourth edition, John Wile? and
Sons, New York City, 1927, p. 35.