Partition Coefficients: What Do They Tell Us?

AI Thread Summary
The partition coefficient indicates the solubility of a compound in two different solvents, reflecting its distribution between them. A low partition coefficient suggests that the compound is less soluble in the solvent of interest, but this must be interpreted in the context of the specific solvents used. In the case of benzoic acid, despite a calculated partition coefficient of around 0.25, which implies greater solubility in water, the literature states that benzoic acid is actually more soluble in methylene chloride. The discussion highlights the importance of considering both the amounts of solute in each phase and the volumes of the solvents when interpreting partition coefficients. Understanding intensive versus extensive properties is crucial for accurate analysis in such experiments.
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Homework Statement


What exactly does partition coefficient tell us? if I have a low partition coefficient, does that mean its less soluble in that compound?


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The Attempt at a Solution



I had .0555g Benzoic acid mixed with water and methylene chloride. It formed two layers of which BA (Benzoic acid) is dissolved in water or methylene chloride. I pippeted out the methylene chloride and heated it, and there is .011g of BA in the vial. I got a partition coefficient of around .25. Does this mean that BA is more soluable in water since .0445g of BA was still in water?

But this doesn't make sense because when I looked it up, it says BA is more soluble in methylene chloride.
 
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I guess you are confusing intensive and extensive properties. You have not mentioned volumes - what they were?
 

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