distribution law

Question

Iodine distributes itself between water and CCl₄ with a distribution coefficient of 85. If 1 g of I₂ is shaken with 100 mL each of water and CCl₄, the amount of I₂ in CCl₄ layer is approximately:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

Using the **Nernst Distribution Law**:
- $K = \frac{C_{organic}}{C_{aqueous}} = 85$.
- Let $x 	ext{ g}$ of $I_2$ be in $CCl_4$ and $(1-x) 	ext{ g}$ be in water.
- Concentrations (since volumes are equal $100 	ext{ mL}$): $x/100$ and $(1-x)/100$.
- Equation: $85 = \frac{x}{1 - x}$
- $85 - 85x = x \Rightarrow 86x = 85 \Rightarrow x = \frac{85}{86} \approx 0.988 	ext{ g}$.
- Thus, nearly all the iodine (**$0.99 	ext{ g}$**) moves into the organic layer due to its high solubility there.

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distribution law

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