Question

Which of the following compounds can be purified by steam distillation?

• A. Salicylaldehyde
• B. Bromobenzene
• C. p-Hydroxy benzaldehyde
• D. Nitrobenzene

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The correct options are
A Bromobenzene
B Salicylaldehyde
D Nitrobenzene

Steam distillation method is applicable for the separation and purification of those organic compounds (solids or liquids) which are insoluble in water, volatile in steam, possess a high vapour pressure (10-15 mm Hg) at 373 K and contain non-volatile impurities.

Compounds which can be purified by steam distillation are: nitrobenzene, bromobenzene, o-nitrophenol, salicylaldehyde, o-hydroxyacetophenone, essential oils, turpentine oil etc.