Question

Devise a detailed experimental procedure to purify ~ 20 grams of benzoic acid that is contaminated with sodium chloride. Justification of the steps (including solubility calculations) that are included in the procedure. In other words, explain why the steps are being included.

Answer 1

Answer:

Based on the difference in solubility one can perform the process of purification of the benzoic acid contaminated with sodium chloride. The benzoic acid does not get soluble in cold water, while the sodium chloride is soluble in cold water.  

Thus, for separation, the supplementation of cold water can be done into the mixture in the experiment of purifying benzoic acid from sodium chloride. In the process, the mixture is placed on the ice bath and is stirred well, in the end, the solution is filtered. The filtrate contains sodium chloride and on the filter paper pure benzoic acid is collected.