Question

Addition of NaHCO3 to sep funnel

a) To increase acidity
b) To neutralize acid
c) To test pH
d) To speed up the reaction

Answer 1

The addition of NaHCO3, or baking soda, to a separatory funnel is done to neutralize acid. It reacts with acids to form a salt and water, reducing the solution's acidity and sometimes facilitating the separation process through the evolution of carbon dioxide gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The addition of NaHCO3 to a separatory funnel is typically done to neutralize acid. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), commonly known as baking soda, acts as a weak base and can react with acids to form water and carbon dioxide, which facilitates neutralization in a chemical reaction. This is common practice during extractions in organic chemistry where removal of acidic compounds is desired, or in neutralization reactions during titrations.

For example, when NaHCO3 is added to a separatory funnel containing an acidic compound, it will react with the acid to form a salt and water, effectively reducing the acidity of the solution. The generation of carbon dioxide gas can also help mix the layers in the funnel and speed up the separation process.