Experiment No 1

Questions
1. What is the role of boneblack in decolorization?
activated charcoal acts as an adsorbent in decolorization. It possesses a highly porous
structure with a large surface area, allowing it to adsorb impurities and colorants from
the solution.
2. What is dialysis, chromatography, and electrophoresis? Give the principle in each
method.
- Dialysis: Dialysis is a process used for separating molecules based on differences in
their diffusion rates through a semi-permeable membrane. The principle involves
placing a solution containing solutes of different sizes and molecular weights into a
bag or tube made of a semi-permeable membrane and immersing it in a solvent.
Smaller molecules can pass through the membrane, while larger molecules are
retained, resulting in purification. Dialysis is commonly used for the purification of
proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules.
- Chromatography: Chromatography is a technique used for separating and analyzing
complex mixtures based on differences in their affinity for a stationary phase and a
mobile phase. The principle involves passing the mixture (sample) through a
stationary phase, which may be a solid or a liquid adsorbed onto a solid support. The
components of the mixture interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases,
resulting in differential migration rates and separation of the components. There are
various types of chromatography, including gas chromatography (GC), liquid
chromatography (LC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), each
employing different principles for separation.
- Electrophoresis: Electrophoresis is a technique used for separating charged
molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and amino acids, based on their mobility
in an electric field. The principle involves applying an electric field to a medium
containing the sample, causing charged molecules to migrate towards the oppositely
charged electrode. The rate of migration depends on the size, shape, and charge of
the molecules, resulting in separation based on these characteristics. There are
different types of electrophoresis, including gel electrophoresis (such as agarose gel
electrophoresis for nucleic acids and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for proteins)
and capillary electrophoresis, each offering specific advantages for different
applications.

3. Give other methods of purification and separation of organic compounds.

- Distillation: Distillation is a commonly used method for purifying liquids based on
differences in their boiling points. The principle involves heating the mixture to
vaporize the component with the lower boiling point, then condensing the vapor back
into liquid form, resulting in separation from the components with higher boiling
points. Various types of distillation, such as simple distillation, fractional distillation,
and steam distillation, can be employed depending on the properties of the mixture.
 - Filtration: Filtration is a method used for separating solid particles from a liquid or gas
by passing the mixture through a porous medium or filter. The principle involves
trapping the solid particles while allowing the liquid or gas to pass through. Filtration
can be performed using different types of filters, such as paper filters, membrane
filters, or filter beds, depending on the size and nature of the particles being
separated.

Methods of Separation and Purification of Organic Compounds

A. Decolorization
1. Observe and Rationalization
The decolorization process involves comparing the color of the original solution (brown
sugar in water) with the solution treated with boneblack or activated charcoal. The
activated charcoal is added to one portion of the solution and boiled, then cooled and
filtered. The observed color change indicates the effectiveness of decolorization.

2. What is the role of boneblack in decolorization?

Boneblack or activated charcoal acts as an adsorbent, effectively removing impurities
and colorants from the solution by adsorption onto its porous surface.

3. How is crude sugar purified?

Crude sugar is purified by decolorization using boneblack or activated charcoal, which
adsorbs impurities and colorants from the solution, resulting in a clearer and purer sugar
solution.

B. Crystallization
1. What are the stages in crystal formation?
The stages in crystal formation include supersaturation of the solution, nucleation
(formation of tiny crystal particles), growth of crystals, and finally, the separation of
crystals from the remaining solution.

2. What are the requirements of a good solvent?

A good solvent for crystallization should dissolve the compound well at high
temperatures and poorly at low temperatures, ensuring that the compound crystallizes
out when the solution is cooled. It should also not react chemically with the compound.
 3. Name 5 solvents commonly used in purification of organic compounds.
Common solvents used in purification by crystallization include water, ethanol, methanol,
acetone, and ethyl acetate.

C. Sublimation
1. Results and Observation
white crystalline deposits would form as naphthalene undergoes sublimation,
transitioning directly from solid to gas and then condensing back into solid form on the
cooler surface of the test tube. The absence of a liquid phase and the presence of
distinct crystalline deposits indicate the occurrence of sublimation.
2. What is sublimation?
Sublimation is the process by which a substance transitions directly from the solid phase
to the vapor phase without passing through the liquid phase.

D. Extraction
1. Results and Observation:
the bromine water-chloroform mixture separates into two layers, with the chloroform
layer typically colored. Upon shaking, the color transfers to the water layer, indicating the
extraction of the colored compound into the aqueous phase.
2. Principle Involved:
Extraction relies on the differential solubility of compounds in two immiscible solvents. In
this case, the organic compound is extracted from the aqueous phase into the organic
phase (chloroform) due to its greater solubility in the organic solvent.