Question

Rectified spirit obtained by fermentation contains 4.5% of water. So in order to remove it, rectified spirit is mixed with suitable quantity of benzene and heated. Benzene helps because [KCET 1987]

• A. It is dehydrating agent and so removes water
• B. It forms the lower layer which retains all the water so that alcohol can be distilled off
• C. It forms an azeotropic mixture having high boiling point and thus allows the alcohol to distill over
• D. It forms low boiling azeotropic mixtures which distill over, leaving behind pure alcohol which can then be distilled

Answer 1

The correct option is D

It forms low boiling azeotropic mixtures which distill over, leaving behind pure alcohol which can then be distilled