Question

Which of the following conditions would require careful venting of the separatory funnel due to the creation of gaseous products?

A. Washing out NaOH using brine.

B. Washing out leftover cresol using aq NaOH.

C. Washing out HCl using saturated NaHCO3.

D. Washing out acetic acid with brine.

E. Washing out acetic acid with bicarbonate.

Answer 1

Careful venting of the separatory funnel is required when washing out HCl with saturated NaHCO3, as this produces CO2 gas, increasing pressure inside the funnel. option c is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition that would require careful venting of the separatory funnel due to the creation of gaseous products is washing out HCl using saturated NaHCO3.

When hydrochloric acid (HCl) is washed out using saturated sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the reaction produces carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The reaction is described by the equation HCl(aq) + NaHCO3(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g). CO2 being a gas, will increase the pressure inside the separatory funnel if not vented, which could lead to pressure buildup and potential hazards.

Other options, such as washing with brine (saturated sodium chloride solution) or washing out cresol with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), do not typically produce gases that necessitate venting.