Question

Why does the alkyl halide layer switch from the top layer to the bottom layer at the point where water is used to extract the organic layer?

Answer 1

Mostly the solvent is performed with diethyl ether, for which the density p=0.71.g.mL-1 because the diethyl is less dense than water, Ethereal layer would be on top in separating funnel because mostly it is loaded with organic product. moreover by considering the densities of methylene chloridethese solvents will collect at the bottom of separting funnel even when not loaded with organic product.