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Explain how to choose the two liquids used for an extraction.
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Answer #1

The compounds to be separated could be acidic, basic and neutral. The acidic compound will form salt with a base (e.g., NaOH) and basic compound with an acid (e.g., HCl). The water soluble ionic salts are insoluble in organic solvents. Whereas, the neutral compound would neither react with acid nor with base and hence, will remain in the organic layer. Hence, physical separation can be achieved by using water and an organic solvent.

Further, the distribution between the aqueous and organic phases can be quantitatively measured using the distribution coefficient.

K = solubility of organic (g/100 mL)/ solubility of water (g/100 mL)

The distribution coefficient K is the ratio of the concentrations of the solute in the two different solvents. The larger the value of K the easier is the separation. Hence, the correct solvent system can be chosen for given molecule or mixtures for extraction from two solvent.

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