A solution of benzoic acid and fluorene is dissolved in diethyl ether
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · CBSE · Chemistry · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Problem
A solution of benzoic acid and fluorene is dissolved in diethyl ether. When aqueous 1 M NaOH is added and the mixture is shaken, most of the benzoic acid moves into the aqueous layer, whereas fluorene remains in the organic layer. Which of the following best explains this observation?
(a) NaOH forms hydrogen bonds with benzoic acid, pulling it into the aqueous phase, whereas fluorene cannot form such interactions.
(b) Benzoic acid, being denser than ether, sinks into the water layer, while the less dense fluorene remains in the ether.
(c) Benzoic acid is deprotonated by NaOH to give the water-soluble benzoate ion, but fluorene lacks an acidic proton and remains neutral.
(d) NaOH converts fluorene into a water-insoluble product, so fluorene stays in the ether, while benzoic acid is unchanged.