Theoretical Yield Calculator
Calculate the maximum amount of product from a chemical reaction
Reactant Data
Product Data
Calculation Results:
How to Calculate Theoretical Yield
Theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that can be generated from a specific amount of limiting reactant in a chemical reaction. It assumes 100% efficiency and no side reactions.
The Step-by-Step Formula
To calculate theoretical yield, follow these mathematical steps:
- Find Moles of Reactant: Divide the mass of the limiting reactant by its molar mass.
- Apply Molar Ratio: Multiply the moles of reactant by the ratio of (Product Coefficient / Reactant Coefficient) from the balanced equation.
- Convert to Mass: Multiply the moles of product by the molar mass of that product.
Formula:
Theoretical Yield (g) = [Mass of Reactant / Molar Mass of Reactant] × [Product Coefficient / Reactant Coefficient] × Molar Mass of Product
Practical Example
Imagine you are reacting 10g of Salicylic acid (Molar Mass: 138.12 g/mol) to produce Aspirin (Molar Mass: 180.16 g/mol) in a 1:1 ratio.
- Moles of Reactant: 10g / 138.12 g/mol = 0.0724 moles.
- Molar Ratio: 1/1 = 1.
- Theoretical Yield: 0.0724 moles × 180.16 g/mol = 13.04g.
If you actually produce 10g in the lab, your Percent Yield would be (10 / 13.04) × 100 = 76.6%.