Abstract:

The "Separation of three organic component mixtures" experiment is arranged by the organic chemistry teaching group of the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Central South University. The aim is to develop college students' skills of separation and purification by testing their understanding of and ability to use the principles of extraction, distillation and recrystallization. This experiment is designed for fifth and eighth-year students pursuing studies in clinical medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, biological sciences and applied chemistry. One experimental component, p-toluidine, poses a risk to students, teachers, and laboratory staff due to its toxicity, and wastewater generated does considerable harm to the environment. Furthermore, p-toluidine requires the preparation of ice to facilitate its low melting point, which is not conducive to energy-saving goals. Hence, this paper presents a modified experiment where p-toluidine is replaced by ethyl p-aminobenzoate, a greener, non-toxic alternative which has a higher melting point. After conducting two test acid/alkali separations in the laboratory, Organic Chemistry Experiment B was launched and received positive feedback.

Key words: Three components, Separation and purification, Organic experiment teaching, Ethyl p-aminobenzoate