Differential Extraction
A mixture contains benzoic acid and naphthalene dissolved in ether. Which reagent can selectively transfer benzoic acid into the aqueous layer during extraction?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Aqueous NaHCO3
Benzoic acid reacts with aqueous sodium bicarbonate to form sodium benzoate, which is ionic and water-soluble, so it moves to the aqueous phase. Naphthalene does not react and remains in the ether layer. This is the basis of acid-base differential extraction.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- purification and characterisation of organic compounds
- Topic
- differential extraction
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Aqueous NaHCO3
Benzoic acid reacts with aqueous sodium bicarbonate to form sodium benzoate, which is ionic and water-soluble, so it moves to the aqueous phase. Naphthalene does not react and remains in the ether layer. This is the basis of acid-base differential extraction.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter purification and characterisation of organic compounds, covering the topic of differential extraction. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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