What Is a “literature Value” in Chemistry?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 07, 2023

In chemistry, a literature value is any value that is necessary to carry out an experiment in a laboratory. This may include physical data, instructions for synthesis, reactions, concepts and techniques. Literature values may be found in references or in journals.

In the laboratory, researchers work with theoretical and experimental literature values. The theoretical literature value is the value that is expected based on the reactions taking place. The experimental values are what are actually derived after completing the experiment, and these can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the nature of the chemicals, as well as equipment and experimenter technique. Comparisons of experimental and theoretical values may be made.