An organic compound was extracted into dichloromethane and then the aqueous layer is shaken with saturated sodium chloride solut
ion. What is the purpose of the sodium chloride? A. to decrease the solubility of the organic product in water B. to raise the density of the aqueous layer so that it will be the bottom layer C. to lower the boiling point of the water to cause the water D. to be immiscible with the methylene chloride
Answer: option A. to decrease the solubility of the organic product in water
Explanation: sodium chloride solution act as a drying agent to remove water from an organic compound that is in solution. The salt water works to pull the water from the organic layer to the water layer,therby decreasing
