Question

a) Is dichloromethane more dense than water? Explain your reasoning. b) Is caffeine more soluble in water or dichloromethane? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

a) yes, dichloromethane is more dense than water.

This allows for the aqueous layer to be extracted, and the remaining organic layer, containing the product, is collected. Because the methylene chloride is more dense than water, it sinks to the bottom of the separatory funnel and can be collected.

density of water = 1g/cc
density of CH2Cl2 = 1.32 g/cc

b) caffine is more soluble in dichloromethane.

Caffeine is more soluble in methylene chloride than water because both caffeine and methylene chloride are organic substances while water is inorganic