During the preparation of a tertiary alcohol by a Grignard reaction, the reaction mixture was shaken with saturated sodium chloride solution. What is the purpose of the saturated sodium chloride solution?
a) Saturated sodium chloride decreases the solubility of the organic product in water.
b) Saturated sodium chloride raises the density of the aqueous layer so that it will be the bottom layer.
c) Saturated sodium chloride causes the water to be immiscible with the THF.
d) Saturated sodium chloride lowers the boiling point of the water.
Answer: a) Saturated sodium chloride decreases the solubility of the organic product in water.