Question

Explain why the upper phase, after reflux, contained the 1-bromopentane, even though its expected density is 1.276 g/cm3, and the density of water is ~1.00 g/cm3. Think what is in the aqueous solution (e.g., what is the density of salt water

Answer 1

The water is not pure i.e. It contains some hydroxide and bromobutane ions that is why the upper phase contains 1-bromopentane

Step-by-step explanation:

The upper phase after reflux will contain 1-bromopentane even when its density is 1.276g/cm^3 because even though the density of water = 1.00g?cm^3 the water is not pure i.e. It contains some hydroxide and bromobutane ions making it to stay at the bottom while 1- bromobutane stays at the upper phase