Based on the extraction in the separatory funnel, which one of the two bases is better for extracting alizarin from an organic phase? Explain (NaOH and NaHCO3) why is the color of the indicator in the aqueous bicarb phase different from the color in the aqueous sodium hydroxide?
Based on the extraction in the separatory funnel, NaOH is the better base for the extraction of alizarin. NaHCO3 is a weak base and it deprotonates the compound partially as opposed to strong base NaOH which completely deprotonates and makes it water soluble. Alizarin initially has low water solubility and thus addition of strong base NaOH increases its water solubility. The partially deprotonated ionic form of alizarin gives a different color to aqueous phase as compared to fully deprotonated alizarin in water with NaOH base.
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