organic chem:

organic chem: in an experiment where an unknown neutral (later identified as Fluorene) is extracted from an acid impurity, the unknown must first be dissolved in ether, to which NaOH is added rinsed twice. followed by the addition of NaCl rinsed and bottom layer removed, leaving the ether layer. the resulting ether is evaporating leaving the unknown.

A) how does the NaOH react with the original molecule to separate the Fluorene from the acid impurity? what is the chemical reaction, is it a two step reaction?

B) if the ether is later evaporated, why is it necessary to add NaCl which will pull any remaining water from the ether. Wouldnt the water evaporate with the ether just the same?