2025 CHEM 221 Lab Report 6 (Experiment 6 extraction &
evaporation: separating the components of “panacetin”) Concordia
University
Lab Report
Experiment 6: EXTRACTION & EVAPORATION:
SEPARATING THE COMPONENTS OF “PANACETIN”
Name: THI HONG LOAN LAI
Student ID: 40293473
CHEM 221 Lab Section 53L
, 1. INTRODUCTION:
In this experiment, we will separate sucrose, benzoic acid (similar to aspirin), and the
third unknown substance, which could be phenacetin or acetanilide, from each other and identify
the unknown substance that was mixed in the mixture. Aspirin is both an antipyretic and an
analgesic. Acetanilide and phenacetin are both analgesics, while sucrose, a simple sugar, acts as
an inactive component of these drugs. These three components will be separated according to
their solubilities and acid-base characteristics using extraction, evaporation, and filtration
methods.
Liquid-liquid extraction is employed within this laboratory to differentiate components
based on their solubility in two immiscible liquids: an aqueous phase (usually water) and an
organic phase (organic solvent). The technique relies upon the solvents' variation in densities and
polarity characteristics. When an immiscible solvent is applied, chemicals are distributed
between phases according to their polarity. Strongly polar substances prefer the aqueous phase,
whereas weakly polar or nonpolar substances are attracted to the organic solvent. The heavier
solvent, usually water because of its greater density, forms the bottom stratum. An appropriately
measured solvent volume is necessary to guarantee a proficient separation of constituents
between the two immiscible layers.[1]
A rotary evaporator, or rotavapor, is used in rotary evaporation to rapidly separate
solvents by providing heat to a revolving vessel at a lower pressure. This tool utilizes a rotating
vessel with a heated bath applied under reduced pressure, which lowers the boiling point of the
solvents. This process relies on the principle that liquids boil when their vapour pressure equals
the external pressure. The lower pressure allows solvents to evaporate at lower temperatures and
will prevent thermal destruction. Constant rotation increases surface area, which accelerates the
pace at which the solvents transition from liquid to gas. Solvents with high volatility evaporate
quicker than solvents with low volatility. This process is used often during liquid-liquid
extractions to separate more soluble substances and avoid unwanted oxidation or to prevent
decomposition.[2][3]
2. EXPERIMENTAL: [6]
evaporation: separating the components of “panacetin”) Concordia
University
Lab Report
Experiment 6: EXTRACTION & EVAPORATION:
SEPARATING THE COMPONENTS OF “PANACETIN”
Name: THI HONG LOAN LAI
Student ID: 40293473
CHEM 221 Lab Section 53L
, 1. INTRODUCTION:
In this experiment, we will separate sucrose, benzoic acid (similar to aspirin), and the
third unknown substance, which could be phenacetin or acetanilide, from each other and identify
the unknown substance that was mixed in the mixture. Aspirin is both an antipyretic and an
analgesic. Acetanilide and phenacetin are both analgesics, while sucrose, a simple sugar, acts as
an inactive component of these drugs. These three components will be separated according to
their solubilities and acid-base characteristics using extraction, evaporation, and filtration
methods.
Liquid-liquid extraction is employed within this laboratory to differentiate components
based on their solubility in two immiscible liquids: an aqueous phase (usually water) and an
organic phase (organic solvent). The technique relies upon the solvents' variation in densities and
polarity characteristics. When an immiscible solvent is applied, chemicals are distributed
between phases according to their polarity. Strongly polar substances prefer the aqueous phase,
whereas weakly polar or nonpolar substances are attracted to the organic solvent. The heavier
solvent, usually water because of its greater density, forms the bottom stratum. An appropriately
measured solvent volume is necessary to guarantee a proficient separation of constituents
between the two immiscible layers.[1]
A rotary evaporator, or rotavapor, is used in rotary evaporation to rapidly separate
solvents by providing heat to a revolving vessel at a lower pressure. This tool utilizes a rotating
vessel with a heated bath applied under reduced pressure, which lowers the boiling point of the
solvents. This process relies on the principle that liquids boil when their vapour pressure equals
the external pressure. The lower pressure allows solvents to evaporate at lower temperatures and
will prevent thermal destruction. Constant rotation increases surface area, which accelerates the
pace at which the solvents transition from liquid to gas. Solvents with high volatility evaporate
quicker than solvents with low volatility. This process is used often during liquid-liquid
extractions to separate more soluble substances and avoid unwanted oxidation or to prevent
decomposition.[2][3]
2. EXPERIMENTAL: [6]
