For the majority of organic synthesis workflows, liquid-liquid extraction (aka the aqueous workup) represents a critical purification step to remove unwanted inorganic salts and other polar reaction byproducts. The effectiveness of this operation can be hampered when the target compound has significant water solubility, resulting in lower recovery or requiring extensive back-extraction. Knowledge of the Hofmeister series as it relates to salting-out is a critical component of enhanced extraction techniques that address these problems. In contrast, when purposely extracting organic components into the aqueous phase or running reactions in water, the same concepts can be applied to achieve efficient salting-in. Examples from process research at Merck will be given that exemplify the importance of the Hofmeister series and specific ion effects for process intensification as well as in realizing green and sustainable chemistry goals.

Specific ion effects in organic chemistry: Improve your liquid-liquid extractions and reactions in water

2019 Fall National Meeting

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