Washing and drying of organic solution (continued)

-treatment before distillation-

Remember:

 

Washing is the step of removing inorganic impurities.

 

Drying is the step of removing water.

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To wash the organic solution, you simply shake it with fresh water using a separatory funnel, just like liquid-liquid extraction.

 

 

Inorganic impurities are much more soluble in water than in organic solvent, thus will readily move to the water layer.

 

After washing, separate the two layers and discard the aqueous (washing) layer.

 

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You need to remove the inorganic impurities and water from the organic solution before distillation.

Organic Web Chem University of Alberta