So we did a preparation of t-pentyl Chloride experiment in class the other day using t-pentyl alcohol, HCL, Aqueous sodium Bicarbonate, and calcium chloride as the drying agent.
Little confused on a few of these questions
Aqueous sodium bicarbonate was used to wash the crude t-pentyl chloride, what was the purpose of this wash (show reactions) and why would it be undesirable to wash with aqueous sodium hydroxide instead?
Why is calcium chloride used as the drying agent instead of sodium or magnesium sulfate?
The drying agent is an anhydrous ionic solid, why do we need to remove it before distillation? (hint- what happens to a hydrate when heated)