When a small amount of hexanoic acid [CH₃(CH₂)₄CO₂H,pKa~4.8],is added to a separatory funnel which contains the organic solvent diethyl ether and water with a pH of 2.0,it is found mainly in the ________ phase as ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At a pH of 2.0, which is lower than the pKa of hexanoic acid (4.8), the acid will remain in its protonated form (CH3(CH2)4COOH). In this form, it is less soluble in water and more soluble in organic solvents like diethyl ether. Therefore, it will be found mainly in the ether phase.

When a Small Amount of Hexanoic Acid [CH3(CH2)4CO2H,pKa~4

When a Small Amount of Hexanoic Acid [CH₃(CH₂)₄CO₂H,pKa~4