If 30 ml of water containing 15 mg of salicylate is extracted with 30 ml of chloroform, 2.59 mg of salicylate remains in the water layer. Assuming waterand chloroform are immiscible, and all salicylate is unionized, whatis the distribution coefficient (chloroform/water) of salicylate in the chloroform-water solvent system

Distribution coefficient: 4.79

Explanation:

Distribution coefficient is the ratio between equilibrium concentration of non-aqueous phase and aqueous phase where both solvents are inmiscible. The equation for the problem is:

Distribution coefficient: Concentration in chloroform / Concentration in Water

Concentration in water: 2.59mg / 30mL = 0.08633mg/mL

Concentration in chloroform: (15mg-2.59mg) / 30mL = 0.4137mg/mL

Distribution coefficient: 0.4137mg/mL / 0.08633mg/mL

the old alchemists made significant contributions to science even though there starting premises were off a bit. their conclusions after failure would steer them into better directions for investigation. science is no more than close observation and the initial mistakes result in rethinking and retrying experiments.