When performing liquid-liquid extraction, it is common practice to shake the separatory funnel to disperse one phase into the other.

(a) Does shaking the separatory funnel change the partition coefficient?

(b) Explain the purpose of shaking the funnel.

(a)

• Let us determine whether the shaking of the separatory funnel causes a change in the partition coefficient Partition coefficient.
• The ratio of a substance concentration in one phase$\left({\mathrm{c}}_1\right)$ to the concentration in a second phase$\left({\mathrm{c}}_2\right)$ when the two given concentrations are considered to be at equilibrium : $K=\frac{c_1}{c_2}$
• The larger the partition coefficient is equal to the less solute (substance) remains in phase 1.
• Hence, we would say that partition coefficient does not get affected by shaking as it only tells us the difference between the solubility of a solute between two solvents.

(b)

• Here, let us explain the purpose of shaking the funnel
• when we do this process of extraction, we have two solvents and one of those solvents is more suitable for a solute
• This would require a physical movement of solute (shaking of the funnel) in order to partition the solute between two liquid phase
• Result:
• Shaking the separatory funnel does not change the partition coefficient and it just separates the solute between two liquid phases.