"in the reaction between p-aminophenol and acetic anhydride to form acetaminophen, 4.5 ml of water were added. what was the purpose of the water? "

In the reaction between p-aminophenol and acetic anhydride to form acetaminophen, 4.5 ml of water were added. This was done to recover the product out the container. Water was used as a means of carrying out the product out the container. However, it should be noted that we would want a small amount to be added in order to avoid the product dissolving onto it.

No. an alpha particle is a pair of protons and a pair of neutrons, i.e. a helium