Question

In the partition coefficient experiment 4A this week, after thorough mixing of the reagents, phase separation will occur. The top layer is the _______ layer, and benzoic acid is contained in __________.

Answer 1

Answer:

The top layer is the Aqueous layer, and the benzoic acid is contained in the non-aqueous layer/oil phase.

Explanation:

A separating funnel is a very important piece of laboratory glassware that is used to separate the components of liquid-liquid mixtures  which are immiscible. This technique is used in the extraction of the components of mixtures.

The liquids separate into two phases. The separation is based on the differences in the liquids' densities, where the denser liquid settles below and the lower density liquid stays afloat. Liquids used for this kind of separation are usually different liquids, one is the aqueous layer and the other, a non-aqueous layer.

Partition coefficient or distribution coefficient is defined as the ratio of the concentrations of a compound in two immiscible solvents at equilibrium.

Organic solvents (except halogenated organic compounds) with densities greater than that of water i.e 1g/mL ( usually called the oil phase) settle at the bottom of the aqueous phase.

Benzoic acid. will settle at the bottom layer ( i.e the lower phase).