Dimerisation effect on distribution ratio?
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Carboxylic acids (RCOOH) form dimers in solvents of low polarity such as benzene and carbon tetrachloride. Using suitable equations, explain the effect of association on the distribution ratio, when dimerisation occurs in these organic phases."
My thinking about the problem so far is that new dimer formed will be less polar than the monomer making it more soluble in the low polarity solvents. Also the formation of the hydrogen bonds will hinder the dissociation of the hydrogen atoms in the aqueous phase reducing its ability to form salts which would be more soluble in the aqueous phase, therefore giving it greater affinity for the organic layer. These factors then would shift the distribution ratio in favour of the organic solvent.
My thinking about the problem so far is that new dimer formed will be less polar than the monomer making it more soluble in the low polarity solvents. Also the formation of the hydrogen bonds will hinder the dissociation of the hydrogen atoms in the aqueous phase reducing its ability to form salts which would be more soluble in the aqueous phase, therefore giving it greater affinity for the organic layer. These factors then would shift the distribution ratio in favour of the organic solvent.
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