I know that if you add ether, the benzoic acid and benzil will dissolve. The benzoic acid will convert to a water-soluble benzoate anion with the addition of NaOH and then dissolve in the aqueous layer. Thebenzil will not react and remain in the ether. Extract the aqueous layer out, then re-extract the ether layer with NaOH and water. Take the aqueous extract and boil off any dissolved ether.Then add HCL slowly causing crystallization to occur. Transfer the crystals to Hirsch funnel and wash with cold water. Allow to dry.This will recover the benzoic acid. I do not know however how to go from here. Solution I know that if you add ether, the benzoic acid and benzil will dissolve. The benzoic acid will convert to a water-soluble benzoate anion with the addition of NaOH and then dissolve in the aqueous layer. Thebenzil will not react and remain in the ether. Extract the aqueous layer out, then re-extract the ether layer with NaOH and water. Take the aqueous extract and boil off any dissolved ether.Then add HCL slowly causing crystallization to occur. Transfer the crystals to Hirsch funnel and wash with cold water. Allow to dry.This will recover the benzoic acid. I do not know however how to go from here..