Resolution of Racemic 1-Phenylethanamine

In principle, it would be possible to obtain both enantiomers of a chiral compound in high optical purity by this technique, but this generally would require an undesirably large number of crystallizations. Fortunately, one or two crystallizations usually suffice to allow isolation, in reasonable optical purity, of the enantiomer derived from the less-soluble salt. 

Measuring the optical rotation (Sec. 7.5) of the 1-phenylethanamine recovered in this experiment allows you to determine whether it is the (+)- or (—)-enantiomer and the extent to which optical purification is achieved. If you are to do this part of the experiment, consult with your instructor for special experimental directions. 

Methanol is flammable when heating it, use flameless heating. 

Avoid contact of 14 Af NaOH with skin, as this solution is corrosive. Wear latex gloves when handling this solution. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with copious amounts of water. 

Diethyl ether is extremely volatile and flammable. When using it for extractions or distilling it, be certain that there are no flantes in the vicinity. 

---