Now the basic compound has been back-extracted into the dichloromethane* layer.

Water and inorganic compounds form a distinct layer, which is easy to separate. A small amount of water and inorganic compounds are dissolved in the organic layer as well.

Drain the bottom (dichloromethane) layer into a clean flask to separate from the aqueous layer.

(Tip: one more back extraction with another 1/2 volume of fresh dichloromethane will ensure that most of an organic compound is extracted from the aqueous layer. In such a case, you will continue with the combined dichloromethane extracts.)

Your compound is dissolved in the dichloromethane phase. How will you isolate your compound from the solution?

Organic Web Chem University of Alberta