How Many Extractions Are Needed to Reduce Stearic Acid to 0.08%?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on determining the number of extractions required to reduce the concentration of stearic acid in acetic acid to 0.08% of its original value, utilizing n-heptane as the extracting solvent. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanation related to extraction processes and distribution constants.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for assistance in starting the calculation related to the extraction of stearic acid.
  • Another participant inquires about the fraction of stearic acid remaining in acetic acid after a single extraction.
  • A subsequent reply suggests that the remaining fraction might be 0.92%, but this is questioned by another participant.
  • There is a call for clarification on the relevant equations and definitions, particularly regarding the distribution constant and the symbols used in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the fraction of stearic acid remaining after a single extraction, and there are differing views on the accuracy of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the distribution constant or the symbols used, which may affect the clarity of the discussion and the calculations involved.

il postino
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Homework Statement
Determine the number of extractions from a solution
Relevant Equations
ni (alfa) = ni . f^n
Hi all!
The distribution constant of stearic acid between n-heptane and acetic acid is 4.95 at
25 ° C. Determine the number of extractions from a solution of stearic acid in acid
acetic acid, with successive portions of n-heptane of equal volume to the solution, necessary
to reduce the residual content of stearic acid in the acetic acid layer to 0.08% of
its original value.I don't know where to start, could you help me?
 
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How much original stearic acid (what fraction of it) is left in the acetic acid after a single extraction?
 
[QUOTE = "Borek, publicación: 6389436, miembro: 23711"]
¿Cuánto ácido esteárico original (qué fracción) queda en el ácido acético después de una única extracción?
[/ CITAR]

0.92%?
 
Show how you got this number (doesn't look right to me).
 
And your relevant equations are pretty unhelpful. If you wrote out the definition of distribution constant, and defined what symbols mean you would be most of the way to solving the problem.
 

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