Question

During the workup of the aldol reaction what is the purpose of washing the filter cake with a solution of acetic acid and ethanol? Group of answer choices To neutralize any remaining base in the product. We are not washing it with acetic acid. We are washing it with pure acetic acid to neutralize any left-over NaOH.

Answer 1

To neutralize any remaining base in the product.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acetic acid 5% and ethanol 95% are commonly used. We separate the product completely and then wash it to make sure that all the base is neutralized. The base are usually stuck to the solid product which is why the product is what is washed to prevent contamination and poor yield.

This makes recrystallization process easier .