MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 179: Answer and Explanation

Home > MCAT Test > MCAT organic chemistry practice tests

Test Information

Question: 179

14. During gravity filtration, a student forgets to heat the solution before running it through the filter. After capturing the filtrate, the student analyzes the sample via infrared (IR) spectroscopy and finds none of the desired product in the filtrate. What likely occurred to the student’s product?

  • A. The product degraded because of a prolonged filtration time.
  • B. The product evaporated with collection of the filtrate.
  • C. The product precipitated and is present in the residue.
  • D. The product was dissolved in the solvent.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Warm or hot solvent is generally used in gravity filtration to keep the desired product soluble. This allows the product to remain in the filtrate, which can then be collected. In this case, the student likely used solvent that was too cold, and the product crystallized out. The product should be present in the residue.

Previous       Next