Fractional distillation
- Raman Ayan
- Oct 20, 2023
- 2 min read
Fractional distillation is a laboratory technique used to separate a mixture of two or more liquids based on their different boiling points. It is a more efficient and precise separation technique than simple distillation. Notes on fractional distillation: Fractional distillation works by using a fractionating column, which is a vertical tube that is filled with packing material. The packing material provides a large surface area for the vapors to condense and re-evaporate. The mixture to be separated is heated in a distilling flask. The vapors rise up the fractionating column and condense on the packing material. The more volatile components of the mixture will condense higher up in the column, while the less volatile components will condense lower down in the column. The condensed vapors are then collected in a receiver. By collecting the vapors at different temperatures, the mixture can be separated into its different components. Experiment on fractional distillation: Materials: Distilling flask Fractionating column Condenser Receiver Heat source Thermometer Mixture to be separated (e.g., ethanol and water) Procedure: Assemble the fractional distillation apparatus as shown in the diagram. Add the mixture to be separated to the distilling flask. Heat the distilling flask. Monitor the temperature of the vapors using the thermometer. Collect the condensed vapors in the receiver. Change the receiver when the temperature of the vapors changes significantly. Repeat steps 4-6 until the entire mixture has been distilled. Observations: The more volatile components of the mixture will be collected first, followed by the less volatile components. The boiling points of the different components of the mixture can be determined by monitoring the temperature of the vapors. Conclusion: Fractional distillation is a powerful technique for separating mixtures of liquids. It is used in a variety of industries, including the petroleum industry, the chemical industry, and the food and beverage industry.
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