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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: zeshkani on January 20, 2007, 12:17:43 AM

Title: Separation of Naphthalene and Unknown Acidic Compound
Post by: zeshkani on January 20, 2007, 12:17:43 AM

hi there
i have a question on what would be the best way in running this experiment.

a mixture containing naphthalene and an unkown acid ( more likely Carboxylic acid or Phenol ).  i was thinking of using a strong base like NaOH , since the carboxylic acid  or  phenol will react with strong bases making a salt., then extract the aqueous layer by filteration. anyhow  would anybody recommend any other ideas, or even a better way to separate a mixture containing naphathalene and an unknown acidic compound (phenol or carboxylic acid)  ? 

any suggestions would be helpful

thanks

Title: Re: Separation of Naphthalene and Unknown Acidic Compound
Post by: lavoisier on January 21, 2007, 01:47:03 PM

I think your method is the simplest possible and will work all right.

Of course, if you had strict specification to follow, you could need to back-extract the alkaline layer to eliminate possible traces of naphthalene, but this sounds much like a didactic experiment.

If I may give you a personal advice, be more confident in your approach: as long as you rationalise every step, use the literature when required and don't make (too many) arbitrary assumptions, you don't need any 'superior' or 'professor' to tell you that you're right.
Your only 'judge' is nature, and that's what science is all about.
Sorry, too much philosophy here... ;)

Title: Re: Separation of Naphthalene and Unknown Acidic Compound
Post by: zeshkani on January 21, 2007, 09:13:15 PM

thx for the advise