Why is neutralization using hydrochloric acid not done to the reaction mixture of sodium benzoate obtaining from refluxing
Neutralization using hydrochloric acid is not done to the reaction mixture of sodium benzoate obtained from refluxing because sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, and adding hydrochloric acid would convert it back into benzoic acid. This would disrupt the desired reaction product and potentially change the properties of the compound formed during the reflux process.
Additionally, neutralization with hydrochloric acid would also introduce chloride ions into the mixture, which could potentially interfere with the desired chemical reactions or lead to the formation of unwanted byproducts. Therefore, it is important to avoid neutralization with hydrochloric acid in this specific case to ensure the proper formation and purity of the desired product.