Question

Hello, I need help understanding a lab we are doing in class tomorrow.

I need to know which is the "ORGANIC LAYER" ... we are using a separatory funnel, and I would like to know whether the organic layer will be on top or on the bottom.

This is in order for me to correctly carry out the experiment. The lab is similar to this one I found online, and its very vague for me as to what is the organic layer, and whether it will be on top or on the bottom when I separate it.... thank you

Lab is as follows... (excerpt)

Preparation of 2-chloro-2-methylbutane The reaction is SN1. The overall reaction is:

CH3 CH3 CH3 C CH2OH + HCl  CH3 C CH2Cl CH3 CH3 WEAR GLOVES

Procedure Take your 125 mL separatory funnel and 100 mL graduated cylinder to hood #1. Place 10mL. of 2-methyl-2-butanol and 25mL of concentrated (12M) HCl. Swirl the contents of the separatory funnel gently, without the stopper in the funnel. After swirling for about 1 minute, stopper and invert the funnel. After inverting, vent to release excess pressure by carefully opening the stopcock. Shake, and vent the funnel intermittently for about 5 minutes. Allow the contents of the funnel to stand until the mixture has separated into two distinct layers. If two layers do not separate, consult your instructor. Separate the layers and pour the aqueous layer into a 500-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Wash the organic layer with 10mL of water. Allow the contents of the funnel to stand until two distinct layers form. Again, if two layers do not form, consult your instructor. Separate the layers and add the aqueous layer to your 500-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Place the organic layer into your separatory funnel,

Answer 1