Final answer:
A good extraction solvent for separating compounds should have low melting and boiling points, low solubility in water, and high solubility in nonpolar solvents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a good extraction solvent include low melting points, low boiling points, low solubility in water, and high solubility in nonpolar solvents. These properties help in separating the desired compounds from the sample. Additionally, organic solvents with low miscibility in water are preferred for liquid-liquid extractions. Another type of solvent used is supercritical fluids, which have properties similar to both gases and liquids. They have low surface tension, low viscosity, and the ability to dissolve nonvolatile solutes, making them effective solvents for various applications.