Chem 31.1 ATQ 2

M. E. Biolena / Chemistry 31.
1 (2019) P a g e |1
Experiment 2: Recrystallization and Melting Point Determination of Benzoic Acid

Mikaela E. Biolenaa,*, Bianca G. Estanislaoa
aInstitute
of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Performed 20&30 August 2019; Submitted 4 September 2019
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1. How does the use of fluted filter paper hasten filtration?

 The numerous folds present in the fluted paper offers an increased surface area available for filtration.
This is simply explained by the following relationship: the more surface available, the more solution is
filtered, therefore, the faster the filtration.
2. Explain two techniques than can help prevent premature recrystallization. What could be the consequence of
premature recrystallization?
 One technique that helps prevent premature recrystallization is having a pre-heated receiving flask that
contains small amount of solvent inside. The steam coming from the solvent in the receiving flask
moistens the fluted filter paper, hastening the filtration process while maintaining the hot temperature
needed for all the solution to be filtered. Another technique would be using a short-stemmed funnel.
Since the stem of the funnel is short, the path of the filtrate is cut down therefore preventing premature
cooling which results to premature recrystallization. A consequence of the premature recrystallization
is decreased amount of crystals which will also lower the percent yield.
3. A mixture containing 2.0 g of A and 8.0 g of B is to be separated by recrystallization. The components were
purified by single crystallization using 100 mL of solvent. Their solubilities are given in the table below.
Solvent A B
Cold Hot Cold Hot
Ethanol 0.5 10.0 5.0 20.0
Acetone 5.0 20.0 0.1 8.0
Water 0.6 15.0 0.5 10.0
a. Which solvent would you choose? Explain your choice by means of a schematic diagram.
The best solvent would be acetone.
b. Theoretically, what is the purity of A and B after one crystallization?
Compound B would have 100% purity and 98.75% percent recovery. Compound A on the other hand will
have 95.24% purity and would have 100% percent recovery.
*Corresponding author. Mobile: 09297038690

E-mail address: hiddles29biolena@gmail.com
M. E. Biolena / Chemistry 31.1 (2019) P a g e |2
4. A mixture of three compounds, A, B, and C is purified using recrystallization method.

Their solubilities in g/100 mL ethanol are given below.
Solvent A B C
Cold 1.05 5.6 4.2
Hot 20.5 2.3 3.5
a. If a mixture containing 4.0 g each of A, B, and C is recrystallized from 100 mL ethanol, which compound
can be obtained pure?
Compound A will be obtained pure.
b. If the filtrate from (a) is evaporated to 50 mL, which of the compound(s) will separate upon cooling?
What is its purity?
5. You were asked to perform recrystallization using a mixed-solvent system. Which of the following solvents
cannot be used as solvent pairs for the experiment? Explain your answer.
A. Hexane and water

Water is polar while hexane is non-polar therefore making them immiscible. And since a mixed-solvent
system requires two miscible solutions, these two would not be a great choice. [2]
B. Chloroform and diethyl ether
This solvent pair would work best in the mixed-solvent system as they are miscible (both are polar). [2]
C. Acetone and methanol
This solvent pair is also miscible due to them being polar. Therefore, they would can be used in the mixed-
solvent system. [2]
6. What are the advantages/disadvantages of mixed solvent recrystallization over single solvent recrystallization?
 A mixed solvent recrystallization is the method used when no solvent that fits the requirements for a
single solvent recrystallization is available. A disadvantage of it is it is more costly due to the requirement
of two solvent instead of one.
REFERENCES
[1] Institute of Chemistry. Chem 16 General Chemistry Laboratory Manual (2017 Edition). 2017.
[2] Csustan.Edu. Solvent Miscibility Table. Web. Retrieved: Aug 2019.

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M. E. Biolena / Chemistry 31.

Experiment 2: Recrystallization and Melting Point Determination of Benzoic Acid

1. How does the use of fluted filter paper hasten filtration?

*Corresponding author. Mobile: 09297038690

4. A mixture of three compounds, A, B, and C is purified using recrystallization method.

A. Hexane and water

[2] Csustan.Edu. Solvent Miscibility Table. Web. Retrieved: Aug 2019.

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