Question

When extracting an EDTA complex into an organic solvent, should you add a phase transfer agent containing a hydrophobic cation or a hydrophobic anion? Support your argument with valid chemistry facts and chemical equations.

Answer 1

When extracting an EDTA complex into an organic solvent, it is common to add a phase transfer agent containing a hydrophobic cation, such as tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB). The cation forms a complex with the EDTA ions in the water phase and allows the complex to be extracted into the organic solvent phase.

Step-by-step explanation:

When extracting an EDTA complex into an organic solvent, it is common to add a phase transfer agent containing a hydrophobic cation. This is because the hydrophobic cation can easily transfer the EDTA complex from the water phase to the organic solvent phase. The cation attaches to the water molecule, forming a complex, and then transfers the complex into the organic solvent phase.

For example, a common phase transfer agent is tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB), which contains a hydrophobic cation. The TOAB cation can form a complex with the EDTA ions in the water phase, allowing the complex to be extracted into the organic solvent phase.

The overall chemical equation for this process can be represented as:

EDTA (aq) + TOAB (aq) -> EDTA-TOAB (org)