Written Output on

Pre-Laboratory Assignment
Of
Extraction
Group 7
Rose Ann Pasayloon
Kenneth Neal Bona
Deanna Loie Tadle

Introduction
Extraction is a very common laboratory procedure used when isolating or purifying
a product. Extraction is the withdrawing of an active or a waste substance from a
solid or a liquid mixture with a liquid solvent. Organic chemistry employs solidliquid, liquid-liquid, and acid-base extractions.

Pre-Laboratory Questions:
1. What is the principle involved in extraction?
The principle involved in extraction is mainly separating a particular
component of a mixture by dissolving the soluble component of a solid
mixture into a particular solvent, allowing two layers to form, and
draining off the bottom layer that contains the insoluble component using
a separatory funnel.
2. Draw the structures of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and the
flavonoid and tannin present in the tea.
O
H3C
O

CH3
N

N
N

CH3

Caffeine

Theophylline

Flavonoid (Catechins)

Theobromine

Tannin (Flavan-3-ol)

* What are Tannins? *

Tannins are a class of compounds in tea, especially black tea, which tend to have a
bitter flavour and astringent properties. Teas high in tannins can be described as
tannic.
They are also responsible for the dark colours in some streams, as they are found in
leaves and wood, and are released as organic matter breaks down.
* What are Flavonoids? *
Flavonoids are dietary compounds naturally found in tea, wine, cocoa, fruits and
vegetables. They contribute significantly to taste and color and are considered to
help maintain certain normal, healthy body functions.
Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits
through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects. These molecules are found
in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

3. What is the role of sodium carbonate in the extraction of caffeine from

tea leaves?
The extracted liquid mixture from the tea leaves include tannins and
the caffeine. In order for us to isolate the caffeine from other compounds,
we will dissolve the Sodium Carbonate to the water in which the tea bags
will be boiled. Sodium Carbonate acts as the base. Since tannins are
acids, the sodium carbonate will react with the tannins forming the
sodium salt that is highly soluble in water. If the tannins are dissolved in
water, we can prevent it from extracting together with the caffeine when
extracting the caffeine from the brewed tea.
4. Which of the two layers that formed during extraction is
dichloromethane? Explain your answer.
The colourless layer, which is also the upper layer that formed during
the extraction is the dichloromethane. Dichloromethane is used to isolate
the caffeine and water from the mixture which consists of the water with
sodium carbonate and the tea leaves extract.