DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

LAB REPORT

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

CHM3201

MODULE 3: Extraction of Organic Mixtures

SEMESTER 1

2021/2022

NAME: SEHNEGHA A/P KASIRAJAN

MATRICS NUMBER: 202385

COURSE: BACHELOR’S IN SCIENCE BIOLOGY

DEMONSTRATOR: MS SYAFIQAH
1.0 OBJECTIVES

a. To separate a mixture containing three solid organic compounds.

b. To isolate the compound using a sand bath process
c. To determine the melting point of solid.

2.0 DATA AND RESULTS

Results Benzoic acid Triphenyl carbinol

Weight of compound 0.6g 0.4g

in the mixture (g)

Weight of compound 0.264g 0.583g

recovered (g)

Percentage of 44% 145.75%

recovery (%)

Melting point (º C) 124 º C 160 º C

3.0 DISCUSSION

For part A, is the separation of organic mixtures using two solutions which are benzoic acid
solution and triphenyl carbinol solution. The type of extraction process used is acid-base
extraction. The extraction technique is to mix the two layers in the separating funnel before
leaving it to separate and settle down. Acid-base extraction is a type of liquid-liquid extraction
that involves between compounds of different solubility in water and organic mixtures. The
method is based on the idea that most organic compounds are more soluble in organic solvents
than in water. Due to its lower density, the ether layer is on top of the separating funnel in this
experiment as compared to the aqueous solution. Ether has a lower density, is less soluble in
water, and has a lower boiling point. As a result, this is why ether solutions float in aqueous
solutions. So, 10ml of NaHCO₃ was added to the separating funnel to convert the benzoic acid
(insoluble in water) to sodium benzoate (soluble in water).

C₆H₅COOH + NaOH → C₆H₅COO-Na+ + H2O

benzoic acid sodium benzoate
(insoluble in water) (soluble in water)

For part B, is work up the ether layer which separates the ether layer and triphenyl layer. In this
experiment, sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄), a drying agent, was added to ensure that the drying
process occurs. The water was removed from the triphenyl carbinol using sodium sulfate. Then,
from the ether solution that will be distilled, the drying agent was filtered out. Triphenyl carbinol
is the distillate product. The weight of the triphenyl carbinol will be increased from 0.4g to
0.583g. The triphenyl carbinol recovery percentage is 145.75 %. The melting point of triphenyl
carbinol is 160 º C.

For part C, work up with the aqueous layer. The purpose of the experiment is to separate
benzoic acid from the aqueous solution. Dilute 2M Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is added to the
aqueous layer until it becomes acidic.

C₆H₅COO⁻ Na⁺ + HCl → C₆H₅COOH + NaCl

Sodium benzoate benzoic acid

The acidic aqueous layer is then placed in an ice bath until it forms a precipitate, which is then
weighed before being put on the Buchner funnel. As a result, the amount of Benzoic Acid
acquired is 0.264g, compared to 0.6g before the experiment began. The percentage of recovery
is 44%. The benzoic acid obtained is white in color and has a melting point of 124º C.

One of the precautions that should be considered in this experiment is that all apparatus used
should be rinsed before using to avoid any possible contamination. Next, is parallax error when
recording the melting point of the compound. Next, when the separatory funnel is placed in a
ring stand, always place a beaker below the separatory funnel to catch solutions that leak or
spill.
4.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, in order to separate the mixture into three compounds, extraction of organic
mixtures can be used which will separate the benzoic acid, ether solution, and triphenyl carbinol
by using the acid-base extraction. Next, a sand bath process can be used to isolate the
compound. Lastly, the melting point of the compound can be measured by using a machine.

5.0 QUESTIONS

1. Why do you use NaHCO₃ in Section B?

The purpose of the use of NaHCO₃ is to make the benzoic acid become sodium benzoate. This
is to carry out the process of extraction can be formed as the benzoic acid is insoluble in water
meanwhile sodium benzoate is soluble in water. After adding NaHCO₃, there will be an aqueous
solution and ether solution which is then collected into a separate conical flask.

2. What is the purpose of HCl in Section C?

The purpose of the usage of dilute HCL is to make the aqueous solution become more acidic.
Hence, this will cause the sodium to be separated from the benzoic acid. Thus, sodium
benzoate will be present from the benzoic acid. Not only that, the basic aqueous solution is
neutralized with concentrated HCl to yield the carboxylic acid, which, because of its water
insolubility, precipitates out. This can be collected, recrystallized, and allowed to dry to yield
pure carboxylic acid.

3. During the distillation, why do you use a water bath for heating?

During distillation, a water bath is used for heating because it will rise up the temperature slowly
and the temperature arising will never exceed 100ºC. Not only that, a water bath is used when if
the material is exposed to a temperature above a particular point, it will degrade. Next, a water
bath is used if the distillation temperature is at or below 100ºC, it will not deteriorate. Moreover,
a water bath can control the temperature up to the water boiling point. This is because it uses
thermal inertia compared to direct heat which can burn or overheat the organic compound. By
using a water bath,the solution is also not exposed to direct flame which and cause any ignition
and can be kept at constant temperature for a long time.