Question

List two conditions essential for using distillation as a method of separation of the components of a mixture of two liquids

Answer 1

Distillation (necessary conditions):

• To separate using distillation, liquids should be miscible (means they do not form a separate layer).
• The difference between the boiling points of the two liquids must be less than 25 degrees Celsius.

Steps:

• The mixture to be separated is taken in a distillation flask which is fitted with a condenser.
• The mixture is heated and vaporised and passed through a condenser, the cooling water makes the vapours get condensed and collected in a receiver.
• Liquid with a lower boiling point will be collected first and liquid with a higher boiling point remains in the flask.