Here's the breakdown:
* p-Chlorophenol (HOC6H4Cl) is a weak acid due to the presence of the phenolic hydroxyl group (-OH).
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base.
The reaction:
HOC6H4Cl (aq) + NaOH (aq) ⇌ NaOC6H4Cl (aq) + H2O (l)
Explanation:
* The hydroxide ions (OH-) from NaOH react with the acidic hydrogen of the p-chlorophenol, forming water (H2O).
* This reaction produces the sodium salt of p-chlorophenol (NaOC6H4Cl), which is more soluble in water than the original p-chlorophenol.
Why 15% NaOH is used:
* The higher concentration of NaOH ensures a sufficient amount of hydroxide ions to effectively deprotonate the p-chlorophenol and increase its solubility.
Key points:
* The equilibrium of the reaction lies towards the right, meaning that most of the p-chlorophenol will react with NaOH and become soluble.
* The solubility of p-chlorophenol in 15% NaOH is much higher than in pure water.
Therefore, the solubility of p-chlorophenol in 15% sodium hydroxide is primarily attributed to the acid-base reaction that forms a soluble sodium salt.
