Question

Can enantiomers be separated by fractional distillation? Give reason

Answer 1

Dear student,
Enantiomers cannot be separated by the usual separation techniques such as fractional distillation or crystallization because their identical boiling points and solubilities cause them to distill or crystallize simultaneously.
Enantiomers can be separated by a technique called chromatography. In this method, the mixture to be separated is dissolved in a solvent and the solution is passed through a column packed with material that tends to adsorb organic compounds.