Why is tert. butyl chloride being washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate
I think it to extract the the sodium
To form an acid
tert butyl chloride is washed with aquoes sodium hydrogen carbonate to neutralize any strong acids in the reaction
Tert-butyl chloride (also known as 2-chloro-2-methylpropane) is often washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) in order to remove any remaining acidic impurities.
When tert-butyl chloride is synthesized, it is typically produced using a strong acid catalyst, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). However, traces of the acid catalyst may still be present in the final product. These acidic impurities can be problematic for several reasons:
1. Reactive contaminants: Acidic impurities can react with other chemicals in subsequent reactions, leading to unwanted side products or interfering with the desired reaction.
2. Corrosive properties: Acids can be corrosive, causing damage to equipment and handling materials. Washing with a base, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, helps neutralize the remaining acid to prevent corrosion.
3. Safety concerns: Acidic impurities can be hazardous if exposed to skin or other sensitive areas. Removing them with a base reduces the risk of accidents or injuries.
By washing tert-butyl chloride with a solution of aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, which is a weak base, the remaining acid impurities can react with the base to form water and a soluble sodium salt. This reaction is known as neutralization.
The equation for the neutralization reaction between the acidic impurities and sodium hydrogen carbonate can be represented as follows:
R-Cl (tert-butyl chloride) + NaHCO3 (sodium hydrogen carbonate) → R-OH (alcohol) + NaCl (sodium chloride) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water)
By performing this washing step, the acidic impurities are effectively removed, resulting in a cleaner and safer final product.
It is important to note that while this washing procedure is effective for removing acidic impurities, it may not remove other types of impurities that can be present in tert-butyl chloride. Additional purification techniques, such as distillation or recrystallization, may be required depending on the specific requirements of the desired application.