Abstract This report presents the process by which benzoic acid, a component of the prepared mixture, can be extracted

through the use of a solvent. Two tests were performed to determine which of three solvents acetone, hexane or ether would be most suitable to use in the experiment. The results from both the solubility and the miscibility test established that out of the three solvents ether was the most appropriate one to use. With this in mind, ether and the benzoic acid solution were mixed in a separatory funnel and were later allowed to separate into two distinguishable layers, an aqueous layer and an organic layer. The organic layer, containing benzoic acid, was then collected and resultant calculations were made. The experiment was deemed a success after benzoic acid was gathered with a percent recovery of 97.2% by the end of the experiment. RESENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Introduction The solvents acetone, hexane and ether were tested for solubility and miscibility characteristics in relation to that of benzoic acid. A solvent that can dissolve a good amount of benzoic acid and at the same time be immiscible, or incapable of being mixed, with water was preferred. The two layers that form when the solvent and the solution are introduced to each other are the aqueous and organic layers. Solutes more soluble in the organic layer are generally non-polar while those that dissolve in the aqueous layer are mainly polar. This distribution of solutes between the two solvents can be expressed by the following mathematical equations: KD = Concentration of solute in organic layer/Concentration of solute in water layer KD = Solubility of solute in organic layer/Solubility of solute in water layer This experiment aims to identify the best possible solvent based on solubility and miscibility and to understand the general concepts and to develop the skills needed in liquid-liquid extraction. Conclusion Solubility and miscibility tests are used to identify the best solvent to use in liquid-liquid extraction. One of the characteristics of an ideal solvent is immiscibility with the accompanying solvent of the solution like ether and water. The solute must also be more soluble in this solvent than the previous solvent in the solution, as benzoic acid was more soluble in ether than in water. The solvent should also be generally easy to separate from the solute, such as ether which is volatile. With these criteria, the most suitable extracting solvent to use in liquid-liquid extraction can be determined. Experimental results can be better obtained by making sure that the filter paper is thoroughly dried; the ether layer is fully evaporated from the mixture and making sure that proper laboratory techniques were observed.