Asked by Jason

K2CO3 is an excellent drying agent for some classes of organic compounds. would it be a better choice for an acid (RCO2H)or an amine(RNH2)? why?

i know this is RNH2. could it be explained that potassium carbonate itself is basic so it will make water and a salt if mixed with acid. would this work as an explaination?
Answered by DrBob222
Yes. Acids react with bases (K2CO3) to produce, as you say, a salt + H2O. K2CO3 will not react with an amine.
Answered by DrBob222
I forgot to mention that CO2 is produced from the CO3^- also. Actually, the reaction produces H2CO3 which then breaks down into CO2 and H2O. The other product is the salt (K salt) of the organic acid as you mention.
Answered by Jason
Thank you soo much for all of your help!!!
Answered by Bob
Hey could you please help me. Why would K2CO3 be a better drying agent than Na2SO4 when drying out water from cyclohexanol?
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