Partition Coefficients: What Do They Tell Us?

[ahhppull]

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?

Homework Equations

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.

 

[Borek]

I guess you are confusing intensive and extensive properties. You have not mentioned volumes - what they were?