We did the synthesis and purification of butyl acetate experiment and during the

Question

We did the synthesis and purification of butyl acetate experiment and during the seperation stage, we added Sodium carbonate into the ester and water layered solution in the seperatory funnel. I know that it created the CO2 which is why we did the venting, but for experimental reasons why did we add it? It obviously reacted with something, but I still dont get the reason behind it.

If you could explain the reason why I would much appreciate it!!

Also why was water used as the solvent within this experiment?

Explanation / Answer

sodium carbonate is used to remove trace amount of acid from organic layer

Here water is biproduct. hence water will be used as the solvent for extraction to remove water and acid from reaction medium.

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