Question

You are given a sample containing a hydrocarbon and an amine both compounds are very insoluble in water and very soluble in diethyl ether. Describe how you could efficiently separate these two compounds using extraction methods; clearly explain why your procedure should give a good spearation of the compounds

Answer 1

Amines are basic in nature whereas hydrocarbons are neutral. If a mineral acid (for example HCl) is added to the mixture amine will form a salt and salt will be water soluble and can be easily be separated from hydrocarbon. If base is added to the salt solution , amine will be separated.

This process should give a good separation as hydrocarbon is very insoluble in water and the salt formed by the reaction of amine with acid is very soluble in water.