Identify An Unknown Compound

[iambellend]

Identify mixture X / sodium salt:

Mixture X consists of a carboxylic acid and a neutral compound which was separated by using 2M NaOH and filtered off through a buchner funnel / flask. the sodium salt was removed and dried in a dessicator.

The alkaline filtrate was then acidified with HCL, cooled in an ice bath and then filtered off through the buchner flask / funnel.

the identity of mixture X isn't part of this assignment, but I want to add it to my report anyway as it should gain extra marks.

The carboxylic acid was identified as benzoic acid via the melting point.

So

Mixture X + NaOH => Neutral sodium salt + ??OH??

??OH?? + HCL => Benzoic acid + H2O



Can you help me identify the missing compounds in this purification experiment?

[fiction-factory]

Well a good starting point would be to find out the formula of benzoic acid and then balance the equation
And I don't think there are many possible sodium salts- NaCl is the obvious one but investigate whether there could be others

[Togo]

ff I suspect that the main reason the question is here is so that the 'new member' has a vehicle to post his accurate name tag. School boy sniggerer somewere.

[Peter Pedant]

OK - so far two answers from non chemists

Mixture X was alkalinised and the product MIGHT have been Sodium Benzoate.
This is soluble and would be filtrable
benzoic acid I seem to remember forms a wispy ppt


second eqn is therefore

Na- Benz + Hcl ->H Benz ( ppt) + NaCl

Remeber the ion charges if your teacher doesnt like NaCl coz it look too much like a molecule as it isnt - it charges ( haha ) around as Na+ Cl-

[fiction-factory]

Am I a non-chemist then, PP?
I didn't give the answer- I just advised the poster how to do it in two simple steps so he might learn for himself.

[Peter Pedant]

Sorry FF - a bit tired ( me)
I thought you told him to find out the formula for benzoic acid because you er didnt know it yourself - oops !!

sorry about that - you have previously been very helpful over my a level math problem - actually I thought you were an engineer

[fiction-factory]

It's okay, PP. I'm not really a chemist ( A level Chemistry that's all) and I'm certainly no engineer (well, A level Physics). I'm just quite good with numbers, crosswords and irritating a few people on here whereas you seem to be an expert on law, medicine, tax... and yoof speak