What is the formula for calculating percentage yield in a chemical reaction?

The formula for calculating percentage yield is given by taking the actual amount of product obtained from a chemical reaction and comparing it to the theoretical amount of product that could be formed based on the stoichiometry of the reaction. This is done using the following relationship: percentage yield equals the actual amount of products divided by the theoretical amount of products, multiplied by 100 to convert it into a percentage.

This formula is essential in chemistry as it allows chemists to evaluate the efficiency of a reaction. A yield less than 100% suggests that some reactants did not convert to products due to various reasons, such as side reactions, incomplete reactions, or losses during product recovery.

Other choices do not correctly represent the relationship necessary for calculating percentage yield. For instance, considering the theoretical amount as a denominator when compared to the actual amount would not provide a meaningful percentage yield, nor would subtracting or multiplying the amounts contribute to a correct yield calculation.

By using the correct formula, one gains clear insight into how successful a reaction has been in terms of product formation, making it a critical metric in both laboratory and industrial chemistry settings.