Question

A solution of m-chloroaniline, m-chlorophenol, m-chlorobenzoic acid in ethyl acetate was extracted initially with a saturated solution of $NaHC{O}_3$ to give fraction A. The leftover organic phase was extracted with dilute $NaOH$ to give fraction B. The final organic layer was labelled as fraction C. Fractions A, B and C, contain respectively:

• A. m-chlorophenol, m-chlorobenzoic acid and m-chloroaniline
• B. m-chlorobenzoic acid, m-chlorophenol and m-chloroaniline
• C. m-chloroaniline, m-chlorobenzoic acid and m-chlorophenol
• D. m-chlorobenzoic acid, m-chloroaniline and m-chlorophenol

Answer 1

The correct option is B m-chlorobenzoic acid, m-chlorophenol and m-chloroaniline

m-chlorobenzoic acid being the most acidic can be separated by a weak base like $NaHC{O}_3$ and hence will be labelled fraction A.

m-chlorophenol is not as acidic as m-chlorobenzoic acid, and can be separated by a stronger base like $NaOH$, and hence can be labelled as fraction B.

m-chloroaniline being a base, does not react with either of the bases and hence would be labelled as fraction C.