Question

Construct flow charts (a.k.a. flow diagrams) to show how to separate each of the following pairs of water insoluble compounds: a) a carboxylic acid and a neutral compound (e.g., a hydrocarbon, R-H); b) a neutral compound and an amine; c) a phenol, a carboxylic acid and an amine (show two different flow charts for separation of this mixture).

Answer 1

1. Alkanes are insoluble in water wheras carboxylic acids are soluble in water.

Step1- dissolve the mixture in aqueous solution.

Step2-transfer this solution to secondary funnel

Step3-Add a solution of strong base then water soluble salt forms which is the carboxylic part.

Stpe4-collect the aqueous layer

Step5-Adjust the pH of mixture to7 then water insoluble salt is formed which is Alkane.

Step6-transferto secondary funnel and andd organic solvent and shake vigorously.

Step7-Collect the Alkane and Carboxylic acid and remove solvent.

Amines and Alkanes : Amines arete substances which are moderately polar they have higher B.P. than Alkanes thus they seperated.

3.Phenols,carboxylic acid and Amines: The mixture can be seperarated on the bass of their solubility. Amines are organic bases,Carboxylic acids are strong acids and phenols are weak Acids tus they can be easily seperarated.