Question

LLE is often performed to separate an organic product from a reaction mixture. Diethyl ether is used in this oxidation reaction. Why is more thanone extraction of the aqueous layer required? Explain on a microscopic level.

Answer 1

Hi there,

LLE (Liquid-Liquid Extraction) technique is based on partition coefficient or distribution coefficient K_D which is defined as the ratio of solubilities in the two solvents. This is an equilibrium process governed by the solubilities of the substance in the two phases.

K_D = C_organic / C_aqueous where C = concentration of solute

Hence multiple extractions are more efficient than a single extraction with the same volume of solvent as each time there will be an equilibrium exists between two immiscible solvents, so that we get maximum product yield.

Hope this helped you!

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