Question

Which statement regarding the addition of saturated NaHCO3 (aq) to the separatory funnel is true? Select all that apply. O NaHCO3 removes organic impurities. O NaHCO3 (aq) will be the bottom layer. NaHCO3 (aq) will be the top layer. NaHCO3 neutralizes any remaining acid. O NaHCO3 neutralizes any remaining base. O NaHCO3 protonates the final product. NaHCO3 removes water from the organic layer.

Answer 1

In a separatory funnel, saturated NaHCO3 (aq) neutralizes remaining acids, creating water-soluble sodium salts of acidic impurities that remain in the aqueous layer, and does not protonate the end product or remove organic impurities or water from the organic layer directly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The addition of saturated NaHCO3 (aq) to the separatory funnel does several things during organic extractions. NaHCO3 neutralizes any remaining acid, as it is a weak base and reacts with acids to form salt and water.

This reaction helps to remove any acidic impurities present in the organic layer, enhancing the purity of the final product. The resulting sodium salts of the acidic impurities are soluble in the aqueous layer.

Contrary to what some might think, NaHCO3 (aq) will be the bottom layer if the organic layer has a lower density, such as when using ether or hexanes; however, for denser organics, this may not be the case.

It does not directly remove organic impurities or water from the organic layer, nor does it protonate the final product since it acts as a base, not an acid.