Question

Tell whether the following solvents would be the top or bottom layer in an aqueous extraction

a) Methanol

b) hexane

c) benzene

d) dichloromethane

e) diethyl ether

Answer 1

Only dichloromethane will be present as bottom layer and other given solvents will be present as top layer in an aqueous extraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whether the aqueous layer would be present on top or bottom, is decided by densities of the solvent.

Solvent which is less denser than water will be present as top layer in aqueous extraction and solvent which is more denser than water will be present as bottom layer.

Therefore,

a) Methanol is less dense than water, hence will be present as top layer in an aqueous layer.

b) Hexane is less dense than water, hence will be present as top layer in an aqueous layer.

c) Benzene is less dense than water, hence will be present as top layer in an aqueous extraction.

d) dichloromethane is more dense than water and hence will be present as bottom layer in aqueous extraction

e) diethyl ether is less dense and will be present as top layer in an aqueous layer.

So, only dichloromethane will be present as bottom layer and other given solvents will be present as top layer in an aqueous extraction.