Question

Suppose an extraction with methylene chloride (d = 1.33 g/mL), also called dichloromethane, is performed with the desired compound initially in brine (d = 1.04 g/mL). In a separatory funnel, which layer will be the organic layer?

Answer 1

Answer:

Methylene chloride.

Explanation:

Two layers in the separation funnel are the aqueous phase and the organic phase. For solvents lighter than water (i.e., density < 1), the organic phase will rest on top in the separatory funnel, whereas solvents denser than water (density > 1) will sink to the bottom.

Since, methylene chloride is denser than Brine therefore, methylene chloreide sinks at the bottom while methylene chloride stays on top.