I\'ve attempted some answers (in parentheses), please correct me if I\'m wrong.
ID: 901822 • Letter: I
Question
I've attempted some answers (in parentheses), please correct me if I'm wrong.
So we had solid benzoic acid, ethyl 4- aminobenzoate, and 9-fluorenone all dissolved in diethyl ether (4ml). We separated the basic component by adding 3M HCl, we separated the acidic component by adding 3M NaOH. I don't understand what happens here. To isolate the acidic solution, we added 6 M NaOH and used the vacuum to recover the solid. To isolate the basic solution we added 6M HCl. Here are the questions I am having trouble with...
Explain why two layers formed when 3 M NaOH was added to the ether solution after the initial separation. What solvents do the two layers represent? Which solvent forms the upper layer?
(is it the representation of the acid and base separation or just the organic & aqueous layers? does the sodium go in the upper layer due to it being separated from the naoh and it being of lower density?)
Draw an equation to illustrate the chemical reaction that occurs when NaOH was added to the ether solution.
(would it just be added an OH to the ether solution and having an accessory Na out to the side?)
What chemical(s) dissolved in to the upper layer?
(Na, benzoic acid, and 9-fluroenone?)
Explanation / Answer
NaOH is available as pellets. The pellets are not used directly. They are dissolved in minimum amount of water and then used.
When NaOH solution is added to the diethyl layer, water is immiscible in the ether layer and hence two layers are obtained.
The two layers are NaOH solution layer (aqueous layer) and ether layer (organic layer).
Ether is less dense than water. Hence, the upper layer is ether layer.
All the compounds, benzoic acid, ethyl 4-aminobenzoate and 9-fluorenone dissolve in the ether layer.