A common problem encountered in chemistry involves the separation of a mixture of two or three compounds into single compound fractions followed by the purification and identification of each. To effect the separation, the chemist must make use of the different properties of the components.
We will use differences in solubility, density, acid-base chemistry and reactivity to separate a mixture of compounds. We will then purify and identify each component. The components will be unknown to the student except that one will be a liquid neutral organic compound with a high boiling point and the other a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid can react with a base such as sodium hydroxide to form an anion which is water soluble. The neutral will not react and so it will remain “neutral”.