Why is it better to do three extractions with say 10mLs of each rather than one large extraction with 30 mLs of solvent?
Answer: the extraction process is characterized by a constant distribution of the extracted
substance between the two solvents. This constant does not depend on the concentration, but
depends on the temperature and nature of the substances. In this regard, it is better to take
repeatedly small portions of the extractant than to take large portions.