Question

The best recrystallization solvent for benzil was ethanol. what would be the consequence of using acetone as the recrystallization solvent for benzil? explain.

Answer 1

Recrystallization is another method of purification of solids in which an impure solid is crystallize repeatedly to obtain amore pure solid and a larger one. Ethanol is better suited as solvent in recrystallization of benzene than acetone because it becomes soluble with benzene at a higher temperature. Ethanol is non polar and may react well with benzyl but acetone are is non polar. A difference in their polarity, especially in heating both benzyl and the solvent can lead to more impurities that cannot be removed.