Question

Question 14
While diluting a solution of salt in water, a student by mistake added acetone (boiling point 56${}^{\circ }$C). What technique can be employed to get back the acetone?
Justify your choice.

Answer 1

Acetone is soluble in water, a homogeneous mixture is obtained and hence separation by separating funnel cannot be used. Acetone can be obtained back by simple distillation because the difference in the boiling points of acetone and water is more than 25${}^{\circ }$ C.
Boiling point of acetone - 56${}^{\circ }$C
Boiling point of water - 100${}^{\circ }$C
In distillation flask, acetone will boil at 56${}^{\circ }$ C and change into vapours and can be collected in the flask after condensation.