Laboratory Techniques in Organic Chemistry
Laboratory Techniques in Organic Chemistry
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781464134227
Author: Jerry R. Mohrig, David Alberg, Gretchen Hofmeister, Paul F. Schatz, Christina Noring Hammond
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 15, Problem 1Q
Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The characteristics of good solvents should be described.

Concept introduction:

Recrystallization is a process in which a crystalline solid dissolved in hot solvent precipitates back on the cooling of the solvent. For successful recrystallization, the solute must have maximum solubility in the hot solvent and minimum solubility in the cold solvent because if solute has good solubility in cold solvent there will be loss of compound on recrystallization.

To minimize this loss, the choice of the recrystallization solvent is important.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of good recrystallization solvent are as follows:

  • Solvents boiling point must be smaller than compounds melting point.
  • Compound to be purified must not be soluble in the solvent at room temperature.
  • The solvent must be inert to the compound to be purified.
  • The solvent must have low solubility for compound at lower temperatures and high solubility at a higher temperature.
  • An abundant amount of crystals must be recovered from the cool solvent.
  • For effective recrystallization, solubility of organic solids in the solvent should not be too large because it will be difficult to recover the compound.
  • The solubility of organic solid should not be too small, else a huge volume of solvent will be needed to dissolve the compound.

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