[Chaste]

Hi all,

how do we know one solvent is appropriate for extraction in any experiment? Is it based on its solubility of the organic or aqueous layer? Is dichloromethane generally good?

[Modestus]

Hi 

Hi all,

how do we know one solvent is appropriate for extraction in any experiment?

First, you need to look at what you want that solvent to do. Should it react with your compound? Should it react with impurities? Are you just mobilizing the solid into a liquid phase? Which then brings you to characterizing your solvent and your compound. Will your compound react with a polar or non-polar solvent? Are there any rogue nucleophiles or electrophiles that can ruin your day? Just some things to think about.

Is it based on its solubility of the organic or aqueous layer?

For separation purposes, yes, entirely. In fact, that is the basis of liquid separation by separatory funnel. You have two solvents that your compound will dissolve in; however it will dissolve better in one rather than the other, which means that it will pull most, but not all, of the compound out of the other liquid (organic or aqueous). Most imporant, your two solvents need to immiscible, otherwise it's just a mess.

Is dichloromethane generally good?

I have no idea.