We use a base (in this case sodium bicarbonate) during the separation of the non-aqueous layer from the aqueous. The base deprotonates unwanted compounds found in the non-aqueous layer; when deprotonated the compounds become more soluble in the aqueous layer then the non- aqueous and \"jump\" into the aqueous layer. Solution We use a base (in this case sodium bicarbonate) during the separation of the non-aqueous layer from the aqueous. The base deprotonates unwanted compounds found in the non-aqueous layer; when deprotonated the compounds become more soluble in the aqueous layer then the non- aqueous and \"jump\" into the aqueous layer..