Question

An experiment called for an Extraction using sodium bicarbonate and a succesive extraction using sodium hydroxide. Describe what would have occured if these extraction steps were reversed.

Answer 1

sodium bicarbonate is weak base which can react with only strong acid and thus only strong acid will be extracted if we use sodium bicarbonate.

SOdium hydroxide is strong base and will react with both strong and weka acid and hence both strong and weak acid will be extracted.

If sodium carbonate used first then strong acid is extracted first and when sodium hydroxide is used weak acid is extracted . Thus strong and weak acid extracted seperately .

If we use sodium hydroxide first then we extract both strong and weak acid together ,