Chemistry
Chemistry
Problem
A mixture containing benzoic acid, aniline, and naphthalene is dissolved in diethyl ether. Devise a sequence of aqueous extractions that will separate each compound into its own fraction. List the aqueous reagent added at each step in order and indicate which compound is transferred to the aqueous layer during that step.Intuitive explanation
This problem tests your understanding of acid-base extraction, where you exploit the different chemical properties of each compound to selectively move them into aqueous solution. The key insight is that benzoic acid is acidic, aniline is basic, and naphthalene is neutral—so you can use different aqueous reagents to "fish out" each one in turn, leaving the others behind in the ether layer. Think of it like sorting mail by using different keys to unlock different doors.
Intuitive explanation
This problem tests your understanding of acid-base extraction, where you exploit the different chemical properties of each compound to selectively move them into aqueous solution. The key insight is that benzoic acid is acidic, aniline is basic, and naphthalene is neutral—so you can use different aqueous reagents to "fish out" each one in turn, leaving the others behind in the ether layer. Think of it like sorting mail by using different keys to unlock different doors.