Approximately 1.0 g of caffeine will dissolve in 28 mL of methylene chloride and
ID: 535174 • Letter: A
Question
Approximately 1.0 g of caffeine will dissolve in 28 mL of methylene chloride and in 46 mL of water. Calculate the distribution coefficient of caffeine in this solvent system. What are four characteristics of a good extraction solvent? If too much drying agent is added to a solution, what can be done to correct the situation? Identify the conjugate acid/conjugate base pairs for the structures above. Determine whether each of the five compounds is predominantly ionically or cova- lently bonded. Based upon this answer, indicate whether the compound would be expected to be more soluble in water or more soluble in methylene chloride.Explanation / Answer
1) distribution coefficient is the ratio of concentration of a compound in two immiscible phases.
ie
Kd = solubility in organic solvent (g/mL) / solubility in water (g/mL)
Kd = (1.0g/28mL methylene chloride) / (1.0g/46 mL water)
Kd= (0.035g/mL methylene chloride) / (0.0217 g/mL water)
Kd = 1.612
2) characteristics of a good extraction solvent :
a) it should dissolve the extracted compound
b) it should be volatile
c) non toxic non flammable
d) it should be immiscible with the solution.