Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Solubility of Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds contain hydroxyl (-OH) groups that can influence their solubility in water. The presence of additional functional groups or structural differences can significantly affect their ability to dissolve. In this case, one compound is more soluble in dilute sodium hydroxide due to its ability to form a phenoxide ion, which is more soluble in water than the neutral phenolic form.
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Acid-Base Reactions
The solubility difference between the two compounds can be attributed to acid-base chemistry. When a phenolic compound reacts with sodium hydroxide, it can deprotonate to form a phenoxide ion, which is more soluble in water. Understanding this reaction is crucial for exploiting the solubility differences in a separation process.
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Separatory Funnel Technique
A separatory funnel is a laboratory apparatus used to separate immiscible liquids based on their densities. In this scenario, the phenolic compound that forms a soluble phenoxide ion can be extracted into the aqueous layer, while the other compound remains in the organic layer. This technique allows for effective separation based on solubility differences in the presence of sodium hydroxide.
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