SUMMARY
The optimal method to purify biphenyl contaminated with fluorene is through crystallization, leveraging the significant difference in their melting points (biphenyl: 68.93°C, fluorene: 116-117°C). A suitable solvent for this process includes a combination of butanol and ether, as biphenyl is non-polar and remains in the ether phase while fluorene, being more polar, will dissolve in the aqueous phase when treated with NaOH. NaOH effectively deprotonates fluorene, enhancing its solubility in polar solvents. This method ensures the separation of biphenyl from fluorene, allowing for effective purification.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of crystallization techniques
- Knowledge of solvent polarity and solubility principles
- Familiarity with acid-base reactions, specifically the deprotonation of fluorene by NaOH
- Basic knowledge of melting point differences and their implications in purification
NEXT STEPS
- Research the crystallization process for purifying organic compounds
- Learn about solvent extraction techniques, particularly using NaOH and ether
- Study the properties of biphenyl and fluorene, focusing on their polarity and solubility
- Explore the implications of melting point differences in separation techniques
USEFUL FOR
Chemistry students, organic chemists, and laboratory technicians involved in the purification of organic compounds, particularly those working with biphenyl and fluorene.