Question
Is there a reaction between Na2SO4 with Ch2Cl2? We did a caffeine extraction from tea bags and we are asked why the Na2So4 was added (to remove water I learned) and if a reaction took place. Can someone help? Thanks!
Answers
Anhydrous Na2SO4 does not react with CH2Cl2. It simply removes traces of water from the solvent, CH2Cl2, by forming a hydrate of Na2SO4 which settles to the bottom. Moisture in the dichloroethylene solvent could contaminate the caffeine residue after the solvent evaporates.
Did you use anhydrous Na2SO4? It form a decahydrate easily.
Na2SO4 + 10H2O ==> Na2SO4*10H2O.
The heptahydrate is known, also.
Na2SO4 + 10H2O ==> Na2SO4*10H2O.
The heptahydrate is known, also.
Thanks for the help! It is much clearer to me.
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