Why is the organic layer is washed with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution in the synthesis of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol?

Answer 1

The organic layer is washed with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution in the synthesis of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol to remove any acidic impurities present in the organic layer. This step helps in purifying the final product by neutralizing any residual acid impurities, thereby ensuring a higher yield of the desired product. Additionally, washing with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution can also help in separating the desired product from other organic compounds present in the mixture.