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Why should acetone not be used as the organic solvent in an acid-base extraction?

User J F
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2 Answers

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Ethanol, methanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and acetone are usually not suitable for extraction because they are completely miscible with most aqueous solutions.

User Jmontross
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Final answer:

Acetone should not be used as the organic solvent in an acid-base extraction due to its reactivity with the acid or base being extracted and its volatility. It is a highly polar solvent that can interfere with the extraction efficiency and its high vapor pressure can make it challenging to control in the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acetone should not be used as the organic solvent in an acid-base extraction because it is a highly polar solvent and can potentially react with the acid or base being extracted. Acetone contains a polar C=O double bond which can interact with the acid or base molecules, leading to a loss of their extraction efficiency. Additionally, acetone is a volatile solvent with a high vapor pressure, which can make it difficult to control in an extraction process.

User Ryan Emerle
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