General Instructions:

In this activity, you will demonstrate your understanding of separations and purifications, their derivatives, and their various reactions.

Step 1: Select and Reflect

Select one of the topics below and demonstrate your understanding of them in theoretical and practical settings:

• Amino Acids

• Phosphorous-Containing Compounds

Step 2: Respond

Answer any one of the following questions: 

1. You are performing a liquid-liquid extraction of a sample containing a mixture of aqueous and organic compounds. You are using a separatory funnel to separate the two layers. The sample contains 2-butanol and acetic acid. Which of the two solutes, 2-butanol or acetic acid, is more likely to dissolve in the aqueous layer within the separatory funnel? Discuss your answer with relevant facts.

2. A research lab is looking to separate a mixture of ethanol and water. The researchers have the option to use either simple or fractional distillation to complete the task. The lab is debating which method is best for the given task.

Questions:

1. How does simple distillation differ from fractional distillation?

2. What are the advantages of using fractional distillation over simple distillation?

3. What type of mixtures is each method most effective for?

4. What is the main difference in the process of each distillation method?

3. Discuss the necessary environmental and physical conditions for distillation to be the most efficient and effective separatory technique.

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. You do not need to share your drawings that were done in the chemistry tool, but you can discuss them if needed. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for the grade you have provided and comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback, and click “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are …..

Item B is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are…..

Item C is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are…..

Item D is ….. because …… My suggestions for improvement are ……

Item E is ….. because ….. My suggestions for improvement are …..

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”