What would have happened if we had forgotten to neutralize the aqueous solution before recrystallization?
good luck
You need to put more detail Aqueous solution of what?
If you don't neutralize the aqueous solution, then the acid crystals will not reform. The basic aqueous solution contains the conjugate base of the acid. you need to reprotonate this in order to get the crystals. Hope this helps...if you are in Thursday Lab at UCI with Kim...Me too!
If you forget to neutralize the aqueous solution before recrystallization, some unwanted impurities may remain in the final crystal product. Neutralization refers to the process of adjusting the pH of a solution to be closer to neutral (pH 7).
When performing recrystallization, the aim is to obtain pure crystals of a desired compound by dissolving it in a suitable solvent and then allowing it to slowly cool down or evaporate to form crystals. However, if the initial solution is not neutralized, there may be acidic or basic impurities present that can interfere with the formation of pure crystals.
In practice, neutralization can be done by adding an acid or base to the solution, depending on whether it is too acidic or too basic. For example, if the solution is too acidic, adding a base will help neutralize it, and vice versa. The exact method and reagents used depend on the specific situation and the properties of the compound involved.
By neutralizing the aqueous solution before recrystallization, you ensure that the impurities that could affect the purity and quality of your crystals are removed. This allows for better control over the recrystallization process and increases the likelihood of obtaining a more pure and desired final product.