CHEMISTRY · Single correct · GCSE · Chemistry · Chemical Analysis · Chemical Analysis
Problem
During a liquid–liquid extraction, a chemist must separate phenanthrene (a non-polar hydrocarbon) from sodium benzoate, which is present in its ionic form in a basic aqueous layer. The organic solvent chosen must:
1) dissolve phenanthrene efficiently,
2) have negligible miscibility with water, and
3) pose lower health hazards than chlorinated solvents.
Which solvent is the best choice under these conditions?
(a) dichloromethane
(b) acetonitrile
(c) hexane
(d) methanol