Benzil dissolves in ethanol but does not dissolve in water, while the copper acetate dissolves in both. Therefore, by using both ethanol and water, the copper acetate would be thoroughly washed out while the benzil would be left behind. ... Benzil is non-polar, so London Dispersion Forces.

Why is ethanol a good solvent for recrystallization of benzil?

Since benzil is less polar than benzoin, a polar solvent is used as solvent for the recrystallization. Benzil is less soluble in cold 95 % ethanol than benzoin causing the benzil to precipitate first.

What is the best solvent for recrystallization of benzil?

The best recrystallization solvent for benzil was ethanol.