What is the primary purpose of a solvent in extraction processes?

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The primary purpose of a solvent in extraction processes is to facilitate the transfer of the target analyte. Solvents act as carriers that dissolve the analyte of interest while separating it from the matrix or other components present. In extraction, the concentration gradients created by adding a solvent enable the target analyte to migrate from one phase to another, which can depend on solubility differences.

By choosing an appropriate solvent, one can effectively optimize the extraction process to ensure that the analyte is selectively dissolved, increasing its concentration in the extracting phase. This leads to a more efficient capture of the substance being targeted.

In contrast, while purification might occur as a result of effective extraction, it is not the primary purpose of the solvent; rather, it is a subsequent benefit. Increasing the temperature can enhance solubility and extraction efficiency but is not the solvent’s main role. The complete mixing of all components is desirable in some contexts, but it is not the central function of the solvent in extraction, which is specifically to aid in transferring the analyte.

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