In synthesis of nitrobenzene by nitration of benzene, we should stirr solution vigorously to prevent the layer separation between nitrobenzene layer and acid layer. Why nitrobenezene layer should not be formed? As I thought, if the layer is formed, it will be easy to separate nitrobenzene from the solution, so it is desirable to make nitrobenzene layer. Please explain the reason why we should stirr solution to prevent layer separation.
Nitrobenzene is prepared by nitrating benzene with the mixture of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid.
The nitrating mixture and benzene are nearly immiscible, so the mixture must be agitated vigorously so that the two phases are broken into small drops to maximise the surface area of the two phases in contact so that the reaction rates are enhanced. The contents of the flask is then poured into large quantity of cold water and stirred in order to wash out as much acid as possible from the nitrobenzene. This mixture is then allowed to stand such that nitrobenzene layer settles at the bottom and then separated for further treatment.
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