Objective/IntroductionWhat were we trying to accomplish with this experiment? What method did we use to accomplish the task? What techniques were used to purify and identify the reaction product(s)? In this experiment, an acid-base extraction was performed to separate a mixture of an unknown acid and fluorene, a neutral compound. Possible unknown acids were 2-chlorobenzoic acid, 3-chlorobenzoic acid, and 3-methylbenzoic acid. Purification of the isolated unknown acid was carried out by recrystallization and its identity was established by analyzing the melting point range of the pure product and comparing it to the standards provided. Additionally, a mixed melting point experiment improved the fidelity of the identity of the unknown when approximately equal amounts of the unknown and one of the standards (at a time) were mixed and the melting point range was recorded. Theory: Explain the theory behind acid base. extraction. Why is it possible to separate compounds of different polarity? What determines the selection of solvents used in an extraction? Briefly explain how you will recrystallize the unknown acid and how melting point analysis is necessary. A practical method of separating a mixture of organic compounds is recognized as liquid–liquid extraction, which involves the dispersion of a substance between two immiscible solvents using preferential solubility. . By strategically utilizing differences in solubility of the solute of interest, the compound can be transferred from one liquid portion to another during extraction. Organic acids and bases can be separated from each other using an organic solvent such as diethyl ether and a polar solvent such as water. Diethyl ether is a suitable solvent because it...... middle of paper .......Conclusions and future experiments: How would you summarize your results and analysis? What questions remain unanswered? What questions were raised by your results and analysis? In summary, acid-base extraction is a useful technique for attempting to transfer an organic compound from an organic solvent (ether) to an aqueous solvent after deprotonation with an appropriate base (NaOH). After transferring the unknown acid into the aqueous layer, precipitating it out of solution with a strong acid (HCl - protonation), followed by recrystallization, the unknown acid could be identified as acid 2 -chlorobenzoic based on melting point experiments. A question that perhaps remains unanswered is how many extractions are needed to achieve a plateau allowing maximum recovery? This is essential to achieve desired results in identity testing..