Introduction:

When a solute is shaken with two immiscible solvents it gets partitioned between the solvents.
This distribution of solute upon the solubility of the solute in two solvents. At the distribution
equilibrium, the ratio of concentrations of solute in both solvents is constant at a given
temperature. The constant is called the partition coefficient or the distribution co-efficient of
the solute between the two solvents.

The main aim of this experiment are: To establish the partition co-efficient of Iodine (I2) in
water & carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

Theory:

Distribution coefficient: The partition co-efficient or distribution co-efficient is defined as the

ratio of concentrations of a compound in a mixture of two immiscible phases at equilibrium.

If an excess of liquid or solid is added to a mixture of two immiscible liquids, it will distribute
itself between the two phases so that each becomes saturated. If the substance is added to the
immiscible solvents in an amount insufficient to saturate the solvents, it will still become
distributed between the two layers in a definite concentration ratio.

When a solute is shaken with two immiscible solvents it gets partitioned between the solvents.
This distribution of solute in two solvents depends upon the solubility of the solute in two
solvents. The distribution coefficient Kd for a component (A) between two immiscible solvents
is given by the following Nernst equation

Kd = [A]org/ [A]aq = constant ……………………. (1)

Kd is known as Distribution coefficient or Partition coefficient. The equation is applicable only

if the species (A) is soluble in both layers and the species is in same molecular condition in two
solvents.
Explanation of Distribution Law

 The rate (R1) at which molecules of X pass from solvent A to B is proportional to its
concentration (C1) in A.
 The rate (R2) at which molecules of X pass from solvent B to A is proportional to its
concentration (C2) in B.
 Also, at equilibrium, the rate of migration of solute from one solvent to the other is
equal.

R1 ∞ C1

Or, R1 = k1 * C1

Again, R2 ∞ C2

Or, R2 = k2 * C2

Since at equilibrium, R1 = R2

K1* C1 = k2 * C2

C1 k2
Or, C2 = = Kd
k1

C1
Or, C2 = Kd

Finally we can write the distribution law as

C1 S1
= = Kd … … … … … … … … . (2)
C2 S2

Where,

S1 & S2 Strength of Na2S2O3 solution (N) for water & CCl4.

Experimental Setup:

Figure-01: Coefficient of I2 between two immiscible solvents.

Apparatus & Chemical Reagents:

Apparatus: Chemicals:

1. Volumetric flask 1. Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3)

2. Separating funnel 2. Potassium iodide (KI)

3. Burette 3. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)

4. Pipette 4. Iodine (I2)

5. Iodine flask 5. Starch

6. Beaker
Observed Data:

Table-01: I2 in Organic and Aqueous layer

Layer Volume of I2 Strength of Burette reading Required volume

of Na2S2O3 (ml)
solution (ml) Na2S2O3 solution
IBR (ml) FBR (ml)
(N)

CCl4 10 0.05 21.05 36.65 15.60

H2O 100 0.01 18.10 38.60 20.50

Sample Calculation:

Determination of concentration of I2 in organic layer

We know,

S1V1= S2V2 …………………………. (3)

Where,

S2 = Strength of Na2S2O3 solution for organic layer

v1 = Volume of I2 Solution in CCL4

V2= Required volume of Na2S2O3 (ml) in CCL4

Now,

From equation (3), we get

S2V2
S1 = v1

0.05∗15.6
Or, S1 = 10

Or, S1 = 0.078 N
Similarly, Determination of concentration of I2 in aqueous layer

S1V1
S2 = v2

0.01∗20.5
Or, S2 = 100

Or, S2 = 0.00205 N

Now, from equation (1),

S1
Kd = [A]org/ [A]aq = S2

0.078
Kd = 0.00205

Kd = 38.05

Result:

The distribution co-efficient of Iodine in CCl4 and aqueous layer, Kd is 38.05

Discussion:

When a solute (the iodine in this case) is mixed with two immiscible liquids in contact with
each other (the water and CCl4), the solute dissolves in each solvent to some extent, and so
distributes itself between the layers. When equilibrium has been reached, the ratio

Kd = molar concentration of solute in solvent l / molar concentration of solute in solvent 2

is constant, independent of the two individual concentrations but dependent upon the
temperature and the nature of the specific solute and solvents involved. Kd is an equilibrium
constant called the distribution coefficient.

In the presence of starch (a small amount of which is added to the solution just before the end
of the titration) all the reactants and products are colorless except I2, which forms a deep blue
complex. The titration is continued until the end-point indicated by the disappearance of the
blue color. Solid potassium iodide (KI) is added during the titration to prevent loss of iodine
vapor from the open flask. Iodide ion from the KI combines with iodine to form the nonvolatile
triiodide ion.

Nernst’s distribution equation is employed when any of the solute present in the normal state
in the two immiscible solvents, its distribution coefficients value can be calculated. Here it is
also possible to use Nernst’s distribution equation for a solute when it is present in the normal
state in miscible solvents, then we can also calculate distribution constant coefficients for any
case of a solute. In this paper to mentioned for iodine itself distributing between the two
miscible solvents such as water and carbon tetrachloride. If the distribution ratio precisely
known for miscible solvents then it will possible to study of distribution constants of Iodine in
the two miscible solvents.

For doing this lab experiment we make a decision The Iodine distribution co-efficient in CCl4
and the aqueous layer is 38.05. Here we can’t get exact value because of same mistake taken
data. Distribution law modified by change in molecular state Nernst’s that 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 constant both
𝐶
solvent,but association or disassociation 𝐶1 is not constant. When solute undergoes, association
2

determine of distribution constant co-efficient this formula

C1 C1
Kd = n And Dissociation K d = C .
√C2 2 (1−α)

During distribution, the solute may gets associated into molecules in one liquid phase or may
get dissociated into ions in either of the liquid phase.