A Removal of the Inhibitor from Commercial Styrene

Place about 10 mL of commercial styrene in a small separatory funnel and add 4 mL of 3 AT sodium hydroxide and 15 mL of water. Shake the mixture thoroughly, allow the layers to separate, and withdraw the aqueous layer. Wash the organic layer sequentially with two 8-mL portions of water, carefully separating the aqueous layers after each wash. Dry the styrene by pouring it into a small Erlenmeyer 

Analysis Obtain IR and NMR spectra of styrene and compare them with those of an authentic sample (Figs. 22.1 and 22.2). 

Allow the volatiles to evaporate from the calcium chloride by placing it on a tray in the hood then discard it in the container for nontoxic solids. Neutralize the aqueous layers before flushing them down the drain. 

---