Is diethyl ether or acetone the better solvent for the extraction of trimyristin

Question

Is diethyl ether or acetone the better solvent for the extraction of trimyristin from nutmeg? Why? Hint: Most fats (triacylgycerols or triglycerides) have dielectric constants between 3.5 and 5.0, so compare the average of this range to the dielectric constants of diethyl ether and acetone ( see table 3.1)

Table 3.1. Common Solvents for Recrystallization WaterDielectric Boiling Point, (760 torr) Freezing Point, °Ct Flammable Yes Yes No Yes Soluble Constant (e) Solvent Petroleum etherVariable Diethyl ether Dichloromethane§ Acetone Methanol Tetrahydrofuran Ethyl acetate Ethanol (95%)# Cyclohexane Water 1,4-Dioxane Toluene Slightly 35 41 9.1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 7.6 6.0 24.6 Yes 78 81 100 101 Yes No N/A Yes 2.2 2.4 Yes

Explanation / Answer

For extraction solvents are chosen in such a way that solvent should be suitable which can dissove the compound of intrest very well but should not dissolve (or slightly dissolve) undesired compounds from the mixture. We can predict the solubility of compound in a particular solvent by comparing there dielectric (DI) constants and polarity. The solvents will colse dielectric solvets are chosen, because it will dissolve the compound of intrest. (something we can remember that like dissolves like!)

If we compare DI of acetone (20.7) and that of Diethylether (4.3) with trimyristin (between 3.5 to 5), we can conclude that diethyl ether has much closer DI with trimyristin then acetone. Hence trimyristin has more solubility in diethyl ether at room temperature then in acetone (however solubility can be increased in acetone at higher temperatures). In other words we can say that diethyl ether has almost same polarity as trimyristin and hence it is more soluble in diethyl ether.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.