The distribution coefficient of a compound between ether and water is 5.8. A student takes 1.5.g of the compound and dissolves it in 45 mL of water. The resulting solution is placed in a separatory funnel and an extraction is performed using 15 mL of ether. How much of the compound is left behind in the water layer after this extraction.
Let x = grams in ether extract, then
1.5-x = grams in water
Korg/aq = (x/15)/[(1.5-x)/45]=5.8
Solve for x and 1.5-x.