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Difficulty: EasySeparating Funnel and Solvent Extraction

Which of the following represents the correct sequential procedure for separating two immiscible liquids using a separating funnel?

  1. 1Pour the mixture into the separating funnel with the stopcock closed.
  2. 2Insert the stopper, invert the funnel, and shake gently while periodically opening the stopcock to vent pressure.
  3. 3Clamp the funnel upright in a stand and let it sit undisturbed until two clear layers form.
  4. 4Remove the stopper and open the stopcock to drain the lower denser layer into a beaker.

Answer

The correct procedural order begins with pouring the mixture into the closed funnel, shaking and venting pressure, allowing the layers to settle undisturbed, and finally removing the stopper to drain the lower layer.
The correct laboratory sequence requires securing the tap before filling, shaking with periodic pressure venting, resting the funnel to allow gravitational separation into distinct layers based on density, and finally removing the top stopper before draining the denser lower layer through the stopcock.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Ensure the stopcock is closed and pour the liquid mixture into the funnel.
The mixture is safely contained within the separating funnel.
Prevents accidental loss of liquid before separation begins.
2
Stopper the funnel, invert it, and shake gently while opening the stopcock to release vapor pressure.
Vapor pressure is released safely without building up dangerous pressure inside the stoppered glass vessel.
Shaking ensures proper contact between liquid phases, while venting prevents pressure buildup.
3
Mount the funnel upright in a ring stand and allow it to stand undisturbed.
Two distinct phase layers separated by a visible interface form due to differences in density and immiscibility.
Gravity forces the denser liquid to the bottom layer and the lighter liquid to the top layer.
4
Unstopper the top of the funnel and turn the stopcock to drain the bottom layer into a container.
The lower denser layer is collected separately, completing the physical separation.
Removing the stopper prevents a negative pressure vacuum that would prevent the liquid from flowing out.

Key Concept

Standard procedural steps for separating immiscible liquids using a separating funnel
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Topics

Separating Funnel and Solvent Extraction

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