initial concentration of lactic acid as a pure substance = 11.3 M according to sigma aldrich

Question 3 (20 pts): Lactic acid was polymerized in the bulk (i.e., no solvent) (density 1.21 g/mL) at 190 C with or without a catalyst. Water was removed by pulling vacuum. The following data were obtained by taking aliquots and measuring the concentration of acid. Use these data to answer the following questions. Time (min) Acid Conc. (M) Time (min) Acid Conc. (M) 20 0.56 90 0.20 30 0.52 0.17 40 0.38 120 0.16 50 0.32 150 0.13 60 0.28 180 0.11 80 0.25 110 1 CHY 423/523: Problem Set 3 Due 2/25/22 at midnight a) For each time point given, what is the fractional conversion of acid? Hint: You will need to find the initial concentration of lactic acid as a pure substance. b) Determine whether the polymerization is catalyzed or self-catalyzed. Explain. c) What is the rate constant for this polymerization? d) What time would be required to synthesize poly(lactic acid) with a M, of 15500 g/mol according to these data? e) What be the consequences on the reaction rate if this polymerization was performed in a closed vessel? Explain