In the purification of impure samples of ethyl ethanoate synthesized by esterification, concentrated sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) solution is used to remove

In the purification of impure samples of ethyl ethanoate synthesized by esterification, concentrated sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) solution is used to remove

Answer Details

In the purification of impure samples of ethyl ethanoate synthesized by esterification, concentrated sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) solution is used to remove acidic impurities. Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) reacts with the acidic impurities present in the impure ethyl ethanoate to form carbon dioxide, water, and a salt. The salt is soluble in the ethyl ethanoate, while carbon dioxide and water are not. So, carbon dioxide and water can be easily separated from the ethyl ethanoate, leaving behind the purified ethyl ethanoate. Therefore, option C, which states "acidic impurities," is the correct answer.