Distillation

• What is the purpose of simple distillation?

  To separate out a liquid from solutions
• What is the principle behind simple distillation?

  It separates components based on their different boiling points
• In simple distillation, what happens to the component with the lowest boiling point?

  It evaporates first and passes into the condenser
• How does the condenser function in simple distillation?

  It cools the vapor back into liquid form
• What are the steps involved in fractional distillation?

  1. Place the mixture in a flask with a fractionating column and condenser.
  2. Gradually heat the flask.
  3. The liquid with the lowest boiling point evaporates first.
  4. Monitor the temperature; when it matches the boiling point, it reaches the top of the column.
  5. Higher boiling point liquids condense and return to the flask.
  6. Raise the temperature to collect the next liquid.
• What is the boiling point of ethanol?

  65 °C
• What is the boiling point of propanol?

  97 °C
• What is the boiling point of butanol?

  28 °C
• What is the difference between simple distillation and fractional distillation?

  • Simple distillation is used for separating solutions with significantly different boiling points.
  • Fractional distillation is used for separating mixtures of liquids with closer boiling points.
• Why is fractional distillation more effective than simple distillation for crude oil?

  Because crude oil contains multiple components with closer boiling points
• What happens to liquids with higher boiling points during fractional distillation?

  They partially evaporate but condense and return to the flask due to cooler temperatures in the column
• How can you model fractional distillation in a lab setting?

  1. Use a flask with a fractionating column and condenser.
  2. Gradually heat the mixture.
  3. Collect the liquids as they reach their boiling points.