how can you separate pure benzoic acid from a mixture of benzoic acid and sand?

Is this an introductory course; how complicated can it get?

I wuld think you could add enough NaOH solution (weak) to neutralize the acid and that makes it soluble. Then you can filter the sand and dump it. Back to the aqueous solution, add HCl to bring the benzoic acid back out of solution, extract with ether, separate with a sep funnel, evaporate the ether, and recover the benzoic acid.

To separate pure benzoic acid from a mixture of benzoic acid and sand, you can use the technique of sublimation. Here's how you can do it:

1. Set up a sublimation apparatus: You will need a heat-resistant container with your mixture of benzoic acid and sand at the bottom, a condenser, and a collection flask.

2. Apply heat: Place the container with the mixture over a heat source, such as a Bunsen burner. Gradually heat the container to a temperature just below the melting point of benzoic acid, which is approximately 122 °C (252 °F).

3. Sublimation: As the temperature rises, the benzoic acid will undergo sublimation. It will transition from a solid to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase. The benzoic acid vapor will rise and condense on the cool surface of the condenser.

4. Collect the pure benzoic acid: The condensed benzoic acid will collect in the collection flask attached to the condenser. This will separate it from the sand, which will remain at the bottom of the container.

5. Purify the benzoic acid (optional): If you want to purify the benzoic acid further, you can dissolve the collected solid in a suitable solvent, such as hot water. Then, filter the solution to remove any remaining impurities. Finally, you can cool down the solution to allow the benzoic acid to recrystallize, obtaining pure benzoic acid crystals.

It's important to note that this separation technique works because benzoic acid has a significantly lower sublimation point compared to sand. Hence, it can be removed by sublimation while leaving the sand behind.

To separate pure benzoic acid from a mixture of benzoic acid and sand, you can use the process of sublimation. Here is a step-by-step guide to perform the separation:

1. Prepare the mixture: Ensure that you have a well-mixed sample of benzoic acid and sand in a container.
2. Set up the apparatus: Set up a sublimation apparatus consisting of a round-bottom flask, a condenser, and a collecting flask. Connect these components with tubing.
3. Heat the mixture: Place the mixture of benzoic acid and sand into the round-bottom flask. Apply gentle heat using a Bunsen burner or a heating mantle. The temperature should be sufficient to cause sublimation of the benzoic acid but not too high to prevent sand from melting.
4. Collect the sublimate: As the benzoic acid vaporizes, it will rise into the condenser and condense into a solid form. This solid, known as the sublimate, will be collected in the collecting flask.
5. Dispose of the sand: The sand, being non-volatile, will remain in the round-bottom flask. You can discard it once the sublimation process is complete.
6. Purify the benzoic acid: The collected sublimate should now contain pure benzoic acid. To further ensure purity, you can dissolve the sublimate in a suitable solvent (such as hot water) and then recrystallize it by allowing the solution to cool. This process helps remove any impurities.
7. Wash and dry the crystals: After recrystallization, wash the crystals with a small amount of cold solvent to remove any remaining impurities. Finally, allowing the crystals to air dry or using a desiccator will yield the pure benzoic acid.

Note: It is important to exercise caution when working with heat sources and potentially hazardous chemicals. Always follow appropriate safety measures and wear appropriate protective gear.