Question

If dichloromethane (DCM) and water are used for differential extraction, then which of the following statements is correct?

• A. DCM and water will form the upper and lower layers, respectively, in the separating funnel.
• B. DCM and water will be completely miscible.
• C. DCM and water will form the lower and upper layers, respectively, in the separating funnel.
• D. DCM and water will form a colloidal mixture.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Dichloromethane (DCM) and water are immiscible liquids. Also, DCM has a higher density than water. So, when DCM and water are mixed together in a separating funnel, DCM will form the lower layer while water will form the upper layer.