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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: dumbsskull on October 28, 2013, 08:59:12 PM

Title: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 28, 2013, 08:59:12 PM
A comparison of heptane and ethers ability to extract amine.

Main question is can heptane be used to extract amines just like ether?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 28, 2013, 10:46:05 PM
I read on another forum that heptane works almost as good as ether at extracting similar things... so whats the deal can i get an answer from real scientist please?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: spirochete on October 29, 2013, 12:47:23 AM
What amine are you trying to extract?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: Archer on October 29, 2013, 03:34:51 AM
I read on another forum that heptane works almost as good as ether at extracting similar things.

This is not correct. Try mixing heptane and methanol, you end up with a biphasic system at room temperature, methanol and diethyl ether are completely miscible.

The oxygen atom in the middle of the ether molecule plays a key part in its relative polarity, why do you think this might be?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: Babcock_Hall on October 29, 2013, 09:52:02 AM
I would think about intermolecular forces between an amine and the two solvents you mention.
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 29, 2013, 03:26:16 PM
to be honest I have no idea what it is but it behaves like an amine. So im under the impression that this heptane should work fine. What do you guys think? trying to get a real scientist answer.

oh ok so now your talking all scientific... So what your trying to say is that it would probably work better if the heptane and ether were separated. If they are mixed then it might effect their ability to be polar and be absorbing things.
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 29, 2013, 05:28:33 PM
I read on another forum that heptane works almost as good as ether at extracting similar things.

This is not correct. Try mixing heptane and methanol, you end up with a biphasic system at room temperature, methanol and diethyl ether are completely miscible.

The oxygen atom in the middle of the ether molecule plays a key part in its relative polarity, why do you think this might be?

I just realized that you tried to answer me. Ok so what if it is just a solution of highly basic water? lets say that what im trying to extract really is an amine would a heptane and ether solution work well at extraction?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 29, 2013, 05:38:05 PM
I read on another forum that heptane works almost as good as ether at extracting similar things.

This is not correct. Try mixing heptane and methanol, you end up with a biphasic system at room temperature, methanol and diethyl ether are completely miscible.

The oxygen atom in the middle of the ether molecule plays a key part in its relative polarity, why do you think this might be?

ill just believe you.

I just realized that you tried to answer me. Ok so what if it is just a solution of highly basic water? lets say that what im trying to extract really is an amine would a heptane and ether solution work well at extraction?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: Babcock_Hall on October 29, 2013, 06:17:29 PM
I see that under your name it says that you have no formal chemical education.  Do you know what intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding are?
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: dumbsskull on October 29, 2013, 07:41:47 PM
not really but my guess is that its something to do with how molecules behave and how they can bind together with hydrogen atoms
Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: Archer on October 30, 2013, 03:14:15 AM
to be honest I have no idea what it is but it behaves like an amine. So im under the impression that this heptane should work fine. What do you guys think? trying to get a real scientist answer.

oh ok so now your talking all scientific... So what your trying to say is that it would probably work better if the heptane and ether were separated. If they are mixed then it might effect their ability to be polar and be absorbing things.

Some amine dissolve in heptane, some don't.

Why don't you talk us through your experiment so we are better able to advise.

Title: Re: Heptane and ether - a comparison
Post by: DrCMS on October 30, 2013, 04:42:59 AM
Why don't you talk us through your experiment so we are better able to advise.

I'm guessing he may not want to do that because we'll then see the amine of interest is the kind you look to identify in your job.