Organic Chemistry -- liquid-liquid extractions

[hprox]

I have a mixture of:

--benzoic acid [C6H5COOH]

--phenol [C6H5OH]

--hydroquinone [C6H4(OH)2]

--dimethylether [H3COCH3]

 

I understand that I can add sodium bicarbonate to get two layers, the aqueous layer containing C6H5COONa. To the remaining ether layer, I can add NaOH to get C6H5ONa and water in the aqueous layer. The question I'm working on now asks what would happen if I added the NaOH before I added the NaHCO3.

 

I understand that if I added the NaOH first, it would react with both the phenol and the benzoic acid (right?). However, would the sodium bicarbonate react with the hydroquinone? I don't think it will because hydroquinone is too weak of an acid. Is this correct?

 

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

[YT2095]

HQ is "activated" in a basic soln making it a very potent scavenger of oxidisers, which includes Oxygen in the air.

[John Cuthber]

I have a mixture of:

--benzoic acid [C6H5COOH]

--phenol [C6H5OH]

--hydroquinone [C6H4(OH)2]

--dimethylether [H3COCH3]

 

 

Where on earth did you get it from?