Why was it necessary to wash the crude methylcyclohexenes with aqueous sodium bicarbonate

The crude methylcyclohexenes are washed with basic aqueous sodium bicarbonate to neutralize any acid present.

Methylcyclohexene is synthesized from 1-methylcyclohexanol in the presence of acid. The reaction involves the protonation of the 1-methylcyclohexanol which yields water which is a good leaving group. Abstraction of a proton completes the mechanism and methylcyclohexene is formed.

There may be traces of acid present after the synthesis hence the crude methylcyclohexenes are washed with basic aqueous sodium bicarbonate to neutralize any acid present.

Learn more: link

This is used to remove acid impurity.

Explanation:

It is necessary because sodium bicarbonate helps to remove the acid impurities in the mix. It serves the purpose of neutralizing the acid impurity present in the mix with the methylcyclohexene product.

i believe the answer is true.