Question

in the isolation of caffeine from excedrin, what is the purpose of treating the dichloromethane extract...

in the isolation of caffeine from excedrin,

what is the purpose of treating the dichloromethane extract with aqueous NaHCO3? Also, Write a chemical equation to describe the process.
0 0
Add a comment Improve this question Transcribed image text
Answer #1

In order to isolate caffeine a difference in solubility must occur to separate the tannins into the aqueous layer. Sodium carbonate is added to the extraction medium to ensure that the acidic components in the tea leaves remain water soluble and that caffeine is the free base.

Extraction process selectively dissolves one or more of the mixture compounds into a suitable solvent. Here the organic solvent dichloromethane is used to extract caffeine from an aqueous extract of tea leaves because caffeine is more soluble in dichloromethane (140 mg/ml) than it is in water (22 mg/ml).

Add a comment
Know the answer?
Add Answer to:
in the isolation of caffeine from excedrin, what is the purpose of treating the dichloromethane extract...
Your Answer:

Post as a guest

Your Name:

What's your source?

Earn Coins

Coins can be redeemed for fabulous gifts.

Not the answer you're looking for? Ask your own homework help question. Our experts will answer your question WITHIN MINUTES for Free.
Similar Homework Help Questions
ADVERTISEMENT
Free Homework Help App
Download From Google Play
Scan Your Homework
to Get Instant Free Answers
Need Online Homework Help?
Ask a Question
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 3 hours.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT