Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Effect on Benzophenone Recovery Rate

[gingerelle]

Homework Statement

If, in the separation of ether solution from aqueous NaOH layer, som eof the aqueous layer was left behind in the conical tube with the ether solution, how would the experimental value of benzophenone (the compound in the ether solution that is being isolatey) recovery be affected? Explain

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

So...my guess is that when with water in the tube, after you evapourate all the ether, you're still going to have water with your benzophenone. As a result, the mass of your overall "recovered" compound would be greater than it should be. ...if this was the case, your recovery rate will seem greater, even though it is actually lower.

Is this correct, and are there any other factors that I missed?

As well, another question: what can account for a low recovery percent of benzophenone (neutral component) when the starting mixture contained a carboxylic acid and benzophenone?

perhaps..some of the benzophenone was mixed into the other layer (aqueous one) that was put into another test tube?
uh...

also...impurities that were originally present may have been evapourated out with the ether..?

I don't know if that is possible..please confirm..or reject. thanks..and any other factors?

 

[Borek]

So...my guess is that when with water in the tube, after you evapourate all the ether, you're still going to have water with your benzophenone. As a result, the mass of your overall "recovered" compound would be greater than it should be. ...if this was the case, your recovery rate will seem greater, even though it is actually lower.

This part seems OK to me.

 

[chemisttree]

What else is in the water layer?