Question

How would you use a simple extraction to separate a mixture of testosterone and estradiol?

Short answer

Treatment of solution of estradiol and testosterone in organic solvent with aqueous base will extract the phenoxide form of estradiol into the aqueous layer, which leaves testosterone in organic layer.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1. Testosterone and estradiol:

Testosterone and estradiol are considered male and female sex hormones respectively. Estradiol is the predominant form of estrogen. These hormones control the sexual characteristics of males and females.

Step-2. Separation of testosterone and estradiol from a mixture:

Estradiol is a phenol and can get ionized if treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide whereas testosterone do not posses any acidic hydrogen which can react with aqueous sodium hydroxide. If solution of estradiol and testosterone in organic solvent is treated with aqueous base, then phenoxide form of estradiol will get extracted into the aqueous layer leaving testosterone in the organic layer. Acidification of aqueous base will precipitate estradiol which can be filtered later. Evaporation of the organic solvent will leave testosterone.