what precautions should be observed when an aqueous sodium carbonate solution is used to extract an organic solution containing traces of acid?

is it that aqueous sodium carbonate is extremely combustible, which can't be exposed to an open flame?

1 answer

No, of course not. Traces of acid will react with K2CO3 to produce CO2. Although CO2 is not combustible, it may produce enough to cause excess pressure in the sep funnel or other closed extraction device. It's the pressure you want to guard against.