I have an n-butanol fraction of a plant extract, which I dissolved in water. The high solubility of the butanol fraction in water amazed me. This made me add n-butanol to the solution and placed in a separating funnel. Surprisingly, the extract remained in the aqueous portion.
Conversely, I dissolved the n-butanol fraction in n-butanol and then added water to the solution and placed in a separating funnel. Amazingly, the extract remained in the butanol portion, contrary to the previous observation.
What could be responsible for this disparity?
hello dear professor, in my experience we use n-butanol to extract some glycosides; In my view the extract or fraction that you mention must contain another type of compound that promote dissolution in water. Personally I think that a proton spectrum by NMR of crude extract would help to resolve this question and even some tests in TLC.
Check https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949816301314
Prof. Ewere,
I recommend you read this paper.
Article Preparation of Medicinal Plants: Basic Extraction and Fracti...
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