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What is the focus of the lab report on the recrystallization of naphthalene using hexane and ethanol?

a) Analysis of melting points.
b) Solvent interaction study.
c) Crystal growth examination.
d) Purification techniques assessment.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The focus of the lab report on the recrystallization of naphthalene is likely 'd) Purification techniques assessment,' as the goal of recrystallization is to purify compounds by exploiting differences in solubility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Focus of the Lab Report

The focus of the lab report on the recrystallization of naphthalene using hexane and ethanol is likely 'd) Purification techniques assessment.'

Recrystallization is a common purification technique used in organic chemistry to separate and purify compounds based on their different solubilities in hot versus cold solvents. The process generally involves dissolving the impure substance in a hot solvent, forming a saturated solution, and then allowing the substance to crystallize as the solution cools. This results in the pure substance forming crystals and leaving the impurities in the solution.

The use of melting points in this context serves as a way to confirm the purity of the recrystallized substance, since impurities would typically lower the melting point or cause a broader melting range. While solvent interaction and crystal growth are factors in the process, they are not the primary focus of a recrystallization experiment, which is to measure the success of the purification.

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