Question

In the acid/base extraction lab, a carboxylic acid was separated from fluorene by extracting the carboxylic acid into the aqueous layer using NaOH solution (a review of this experiment before lab will be helpful). Phenols (aromatic alcohols) can also be separated using this method. In a mixture of a phenol and a non-reacting organic compound, the phenol may be selectively removed from an organic solvent by extracting with a dilute NaOH solution. After separating the organic and aqueous layers, the phenol may be recovered from the aqueous solution by adding HCl. The recovered phenol will either precipitate from the aqueous solution, or it can be extracted into an organic solvent using a separatory funnel. Answer the questions below about this procedure:

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Answer 1