Neutralization is a common component of many work-ups. Any organic solvent that has been subjected to an acidic or basic solution must be neutralized because residual acid or base may produce unwanted reactions when the solutions are concentrated. Also, because acidic solutions degrade the polymeric coating of the GC column, materials meant for GC analysis must be neutral. Furthermore, it is better to work with neutral materials rather than acidic or basic ones because accidents are less dangerous.
Basic aqueous solutions of saturated sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) are used to reduce an organic layer that may contain residual acidic components. Even if an organic layer should not disintegrate in principle,Acid, for example, "hitchhikes" on polar components that may dissolve in an organic layer, such as tiny quantities of alcohols or water.
The interactions between bicarbonate ion (1), carbonate ion (2), and acid (H+) are as follows.
During the washing process:
HCO−3(aq)+H+(aq)→H2CO3(aq)⇌H2O(l)+CO2(g)(1)
CO2−3(aq)+H+(aq)→HCO−3(aq)
(2)
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is the original result of reaction (1), and it is in balance with water and carbon dioxide gas. This implies that bicarbonate solutions frequently bubble during a neutralization treatment in a separatory funnel. The bicarbonate ion is the result of reaction (2), and it can then experience reaction (3). (1). This implies that carbonate ion solutions frequently froth during neutralizations. are fundamental, and the goal of these treatments is to remove an organic coating that has formed.contain trace acidic components. Even if an organic layer should not in theory dissolve very polar components such as acid, acid sometimes "hitches a ride" on polar components that may dissolve in an organic layer, such as small amounts of alcohols or water.