Question

Prepare a flow sheet for the preparation of triphenylmethanol. Using your knowledge of the physical properties of the solvents, reactants, and products, show how the products can be purified. Indicate which layer should contain the product in the liquid/liquid extraction steps.

Answer 1

See explanation and Image attached

Step-by-step explanation:

The preparation of triphenylmethanol occurs as shown in the image attached to this answer.

The first step is the nucleophillic reaction of the phenyl magnesium bromide with the carbonyl group.

Reaction of the second molecule of phenyl magnesium bromide with the product yields triphenyl methoxide ion. Reaction with acid yields the triphenylmethanol product which is extracted into the organic phase.

The triphenylmethanol product can be purified by recrystallization.