2. Is it possible to purify a compound by recrystallization using a mixture of solvents? Why or why not?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question
**Question 2:**

*Is it possible to purify a compound by recrystallization using a mixture of solvents? Why or why not?*

---

**Educational Explanation:**

Recrystallization is a technique used to purify solid compounds. It involves dissolving a solid substance in a solvent at high temperature and then slowly cooling it to form crystals. Using a mixture of solvents can be beneficial when a single solvent does not adequately dissolve the compound or adequately separate impurities. 

This method is based on the principle of differing solubility: the compound of interest has different solubility in different solvents or at different temperatures. A mixture of solvents can be used to finely tune solubility. 

Here are key points to consider:

1. **Choice of Solvent Mixture:** Selecting the right solvents is crucial. Typically, one solvent dissolves the compound well (more soluble), and the second solvent does not (less soluble). This allows better control over crystallization by modifying the solvent environment.

2. **Temperature Dependence:** The solubility of the compound should increase with temperature. The compound can dissolve at high temperatures and form pure crystals upon cooling.

3. **Impurities:** Impurities should remain soluble at lower temperatures or minimally soluble at higher temperatures to enable separation upon cooling.

4. **Safety and Compatibility:** The solvents used must not react with the compound or each other, and safety considerations such as flammability and toxicity must be taken into account.

Using a mixture of solvents in recrystallization can be a very effective method to achieve high-purity results, making it a valuable tool in chemical purification processes.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 2:** *Is it possible to purify a compound by recrystallization using a mixture of solvents? Why or why not?* --- **Educational Explanation:** Recrystallization is a technique used to purify solid compounds. It involves dissolving a solid substance in a solvent at high temperature and then slowly cooling it to form crystals. Using a mixture of solvents can be beneficial when a single solvent does not adequately dissolve the compound or adequately separate impurities. This method is based on the principle of differing solubility: the compound of interest has different solubility in different solvents or at different temperatures. A mixture of solvents can be used to finely tune solubility. Here are key points to consider: 1. **Choice of Solvent Mixture:** Selecting the right solvents is crucial. Typically, one solvent dissolves the compound well (more soluble), and the second solvent does not (less soluble). This allows better control over crystallization by modifying the solvent environment. 2. **Temperature Dependence:** The solubility of the compound should increase with temperature. The compound can dissolve at high temperatures and form pure crystals upon cooling. 3. **Impurities:** Impurities should remain soluble at lower temperatures or minimally soluble at higher temperatures to enable separation upon cooling. 4. **Safety and Compatibility:** The solvents used must not react with the compound or each other, and safety considerations such as flammability and toxicity must be taken into account. Using a mixture of solvents in recrystallization can be a very effective method to achieve high-purity results, making it a valuable tool in chemical purification processes.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY