Question

Which statement regarding the addition of saturated nahco3 (aq) to the separatory funnel is true?

a. nahco3 (aq) will be the top layer.
b. nahco3 (aq) will be the bottom layer.
c. nahco3 neutralizes any remaining acid.
d. nahco3 removes organic impurities.
e. nahco3 removes water from the organic layer.
f. nahco3 neutralizes any remaining base.
g. nahco3 protonates the final product.

Answer 1

Saturated NaHCO3 (aq) added to a separatory funnel neutralizes any remaining acid, with the aqueous NaHCO3 layer forming at the bottom due to its higher density.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement regarding the addition of saturated NaHCO3 (aq) to a separatory funnel that is true is c. NaHCO3 neutralizes any remaining acid. In the context of using a separatory funnel in a laboratory, this step is typically part of an extraction or washing procedure aimed to remove acidic impurities from an organic phase. Sodium bicarbonate is a basic solution and will react with any leftover acids to create water and carbon dioxide gas. This process leaves the organic compounds in the organic layer undisturbed while the NaHCO3 solution, being more dense, will form the bottom layer. It is essential to ventilate the separatory funnel appropriately during this process due to the generation of carbon dioxide gas.