When a student shakes an aqueous reaction mixture with acetone in a separatory funnel, what is an expected outcome?

In a separatory funnel, when an aqueous reaction mixture is shaken with acetone, the expected outcome is that two distinct layers will form. This happens because acetone is less dense than water, and it is immiscible with water, providing a clear separation between the two liquids. Since acetone floats on top of the water, you would observe two clear layers: one comprising the aqueous solution and the other of acetone.

This distinct layering occurs based on the differences in density and solubility of acetone compared to water. The top layer will be the acetone-rich layer, while the bottom layer will consist of the aqueous phase. Thus, the formation of two distinct layers is a fundamental principle of liquid-liquid extraction techniques in organic chemistry, demonstrating the immiscibility of the solvents used.