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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Mr Avogado on October 17, 2013, 02:23:31 PM

Title: liquid liquid separation
Post by: Mr Avogado on October 17, 2013, 02:23:31 PM

Hello All,

If I'm doing a liquid-liquid separation, and during the separation of the acid,  instead of using 3M Na OH (aq), I use 5M NaOH -- would this wreck my experiment?

I don't think so since it's just more concentrated per Litre (more moles).  Is there anything I'm missing?

Title: Re: liquid liquid separation
Post by: Archer on October 17, 2013, 02:56:31 PM

I wouldn't think it would matter, unless the acidic compound contains a base labile group such as an ester, even then I doubt you will see any significant difference between 3M and 5M NaOH.

Title: Re: liquid liquid separation
Post by: Mr Avogado on October 17, 2013, 03:09:16 PM

Thanks for the help :)

Title: Re: liquid liquid separation
Post by: Borek on October 17, 2013, 03:47:54 PM

That being said, diluting 5 M solution to 3 M means just adding some water.

Title: Re: liquid liquid separation
Post by: Archer on October 17, 2013, 04:42:56 PM

Quote from: Borek on October 17, 2013, 03:47:54 PM

That being said, diluting 5 M solution to 3 M means just adding some water.

Quote from: Mr Avogado on October 17, 2013, 02:23:31 PM

I use 5M NaOH -- would this wreck my experiment?

I misread this as "used".

As Borek says it is better to follow the procedure, even if it's just for economic reasons. Less reagent means less money spent.

Title: Re: liquid liquid separation
Post by: WW on October 18, 2013, 08:59:10 AM

If you've already done it it never hurts to do a quick comparison to put your mind at ease..