This question is about ketones. Solution X reacts with liquid ketones to form a crystalline solid. This reaction can be used to identify a ketone if the crystalline solid is separated, purified by recrystallisation, and the melting point determined. Describe how the crystalline solid is separated and purified.

A-Level AQA Chemistry Alkanes: This question is about ketones.

To separate and purify the crystalline solid formed from the reaction with solution X, the following steps should be taken:

Filtration: The reaction mixture should be filtered using a filter paper or a decantation method to remove any insoluble impurities from the liquid ketone.
Dissolve in a Minimum Volume of Solvent: The solid should be dissolved in the minimum amount of hot solvent, ensuring that the solid is completely dissolved to form a saturated solution.
Cooling: The saturated solution should then be allowed to cool slowly to room temperature, which encourages the formation of well-defined crystalline solids. Alternatively, the solution can be cooled in an ice bath to promote quicker crystallization.
Filtration of Crystals: Once crystals have formed, the mixture should be filtered again to collect the solid crystals from the solvent. This step ensures that the pure crystalline product is isolated from the liquid.
Washing: Finally, the collected solid should be washed with cold solvent, which helps to remove any adhering impurities and provides a purer final product.