Explain the purpose of following steps in the work-up procedure of our second sy

Question

Explain the purpose of following steps in the work-up procedure of our second synthesis (“Hydrogenation of a Chalcone”). (4 pts) a) Add 15 mL of brine and 10 mL of ethyl acetate to the mixture. Shake vigorously, then separate the ethyl acetate layer from the aqueous phase. b) Extract the aqueous phase again with an additional 5 mL of ethyl acetate. c) Combine the two ethyl acetate solutions and wash this ethyl acetate layer with 5 mL of brine. Drain the aqueous phase and pour the ethyl acetate solution into a clean 25-mL Erlenmeyer flask. d) Dry the organic phase with anhydrous magnesium sulfate for 5 min.

Explanation / Answer

Here might be very small density difference between organic layer (ethyl acetate layer) and aqueous layer (water layer) as result both layer get mixed together and observing no clear layer separation so efficiency so solvent extraction gets hampered. So due to addition of brine density difference between organic and aqueous layer increases and you gets clear layer separation.

Mgso4 added to remove soluble water from organic as result you can dry sample easily.

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