Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the process of extraction in chemistry?
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures
Extraction
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In a liquid-liquid extraction, the density difference between the organic solvent and water is most important in which step of the process?
A
Evaporating the solvent to isolate the product
B
Mixing the aqueous and organic phases together
C
Separating the two layers in the separatory funnel
D
Adding a drying agent to the organic layer
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the liquid-liquid extraction process involves mixing two immiscible liquids (usually an aqueous phase and an organic solvent) to separate compounds based on their solubility.
Recognize that after mixing, the two liquids form two distinct layers due to differences in density and immiscibility.
Identify that the density difference is crucial when separating these two layers in the separatory funnel, as the denser liquid will settle at the bottom and the less dense liquid will float on top.
Note that during mixing, the density difference does not affect the process of combining the layers, but it is essential for clear phase separation afterward.
Understand that evaporating the solvent or adding a drying agent occurs after the layers have been separated, so density difference is not the key factor in those steps.
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