Question

Bhavya was given a solid - solid mixture for separation. But she observed that the solid started to decompose at the boiling point of liquid. Can she be able to separate the mixture? If so explain.

Answer 1

The boiling point of few substances are so high that they decompose before the boiling point is reached. Thus distillation cannot be carried out under this condition. In order to carry out the process, the pressure needs to be reduced in order to decrease the boiling point of the liquid. Thus the risk of decomposition is less under reduced pressure.