Isolation of Acetaminophen

• Tear pH paper into small squares (conserve!)

• Determine the pH of the KOH – ACE AQ solution

  • Dip a stir rod into the solution then tap it on a small piece of pH paper on a watch glass

• Obtain 10 mL of 6 M HCl in a labeled test tube - slowly add drop-wise to the ACE AQ solution

  • Swirl solution and take pH readings every 5-10 drops, until the solution is acidic (pH 2 or less)

  • Re-label the vial (Acidic ACE AQ)

Acetaminophen does not precipitate out of the aqueous solution as well as aspirin – collect the product by liquid-liquid extraction:

• Transfer the Acidic ACE AQ solution to the sep. funnel

• Add 15 mL of EtOAc

• Mix and vent for 3 minutes

• Drain the aqueous and organic layers into separate flasks