Separating ephedrine from phenacetin b/c of nitrogen atoms

This method is similar to the separation of caffeine. In summary, to yield ammonium salt of ephedrine from phenacetin and ephedrine, the compounds must first be separated using an organic solvent such as dichloromethane. This is due to the difference in reactivity and solubility between ephedrine and phenacetin. After separation, ephedrine can be reacted with aqueous ammonia to form the desired ammonium salt. This method is similar to the separation of caffeine.
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Homework Statement


Suggest one way to yield ammonium salt of ephedrine from reactants phenacetin and ephedrine
. In the ans. consider both phenacetin and ephedrine as containing nitrogen. Explain why they would differ in reactivity and solubility.


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution



Separate ephedrine by either simple distillation or rotary evaporator? It said to suggest an organic solvent, which I would assume as Ch2Cl2?
I'm thinking of these two as possible methods because it's similar to separation from caffeine. Any thoughts? This is a post-lab question btw.
 
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One way to yield ammonium salt of ephedrine from reactants phenacetin and ephedrine is to first separate the two compounds by distillation or rotary evaporation using an organic solvent such as dichloromethane. Phenacetin contains two nitrogen atoms in its structure, whereas ephedrine contains one. This difference in structure makes ephedrine more reactive than phenacetin, resulting in it being more soluble in the organic solvent. Once the two compounds are separated, the ephedrine can be reacted with aqueous ammonia to form an ammonium salt.
 

Related to Separating ephedrine from phenacetin b/c of nitrogen atoms

1. How do you separate ephedrine from phenacetin based on their nitrogen atoms?

To separate ephedrine from phenacetin based on their nitrogen atoms, you can use a process called acid-base extraction. This involves adding a strong acid to the mixture, which will protonate the ephedrine and form a water-soluble salt. The phenacetin, being a weak base, will remain unchanged and stay insoluble. The two compounds can then be separated by filtration or decantation.

2. What type of acid should be used in the acid-base extraction process?

A strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, should be used in the acid-base extraction process. These acids are able to protonate the ephedrine and form a salt that is water-soluble.

3. Can other methods be used to separate ephedrine from phenacetin?

Yes, there are other methods that can be used to separate ephedrine from phenacetin, such as chromatography or distillation. However, these methods may not be as efficient or specific as acid-base extraction for separating compounds with similar functional groups.

4. What happens to the nitrogen atoms during the acid-base extraction process?

The nitrogen atoms in the ephedrine molecule will become protonated by the strong acid, forming a water-soluble salt. This allows for the separation of ephedrine from phenacetin, which remains unchanged and insoluble.

5. Is it necessary to remove all the nitrogen atoms from the mixture?

No, it is not necessary to remove all the nitrogen atoms from the mixture. The goal of separating ephedrine from phenacetin is to isolate the two compounds from each other. As long as the majority of the ephedrine is separated, the small amount of remaining nitrogen atoms should not affect the purity of the separated compounds.

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