Question

Draw a detailed separation scheme for the recovery of caffeine from the crushed tablets

Answer 1

To recover caffeine from crushed tablets, a detailed separation scheme can be followed. The process involves extraction, evaporation, and separation using solvents of different polarities.

Step-by-step explanation:

To recover caffeine from crushed tablets, a detailed separation scheme can be followed. Here is a step-by-step process:

1. First, perform an extraction using a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. This will extract the caffeine from the crushed tablets.
2. Next, evaporate the solvent to obtain a solid residue containing the caffeine.
3. Then, dissolve the solid residue in a small amount of water and add a nonpolar solvent like diethyl ether.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously to separate the caffeine into the nonpolar phase.
5. Allow the two phases to separate, and then carefully separate the nonpolar phase containing the caffeine.
6. Finally, evaporate the nonpolar solvent to obtain pure caffeine as a solid.

This separation scheme utilizes the differences in solubility and polarity to isolate caffeine from the crushed tablets.