What is the purpose of a recrystallization?
Suppose you are recrystallizing a compound and boil the
solution for so long that a substantial amount of the liquid
evaporates. What is likely to happen to some of the solute? What
should you do if this occurs?
A student was recrystallizing a compound. As the hot
solution cooled to room temperature, no crystals appeared. The
flask was then placed in an ice-water bath. Suddenly a large amount
of solid material appeared in the flask. The student isolated a
good yield of product, however, the product was contaminated with
impurities. Explain.