Question

What happened as aqueous hydrochloric acid was added to the combined aqueous layers that were drained out of the separatory funnel while Recovering Separated Benzoic acid? Select one or more.

a. The solution became pink because benzoic acid is pink at low pH.
b. Benzoate ion became less water soluble.
c. Hydrochloric acid reacted with the benzoate ion to make benzoic acid.
d. Benzoic acid precipitated out of the aqueous solution.
e. Hydrochloric acid reacted with hydroxide ion to make water.

Answer 1

Hydrochloric acid reacts with the benzoate ion to form benzoic acid, which precipitates out of the solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is c. Hydrochloric acid reacted with the benzoate ion to make benzoic acid. When aqueous hydrochloric acid is added to the combined aqueous layers that were drained out of the separatory funnel while recovering separated benzoic acid, the hydrochloric acid reacts with the benzoate ion present in the solution. This reaction forms benzoic acid, which is insoluble in water and precipitates out of the solution.