Question

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

Answer 1

Understanding the concept:

• The liquids that dissolve with each other are called miscible liquids.
• For example, alcohol, and water dissolve in each other.

Explanation of separation of acetone from salt water:

• Miscible liquids are separated by simple distillation and fractional distillation.
• If the difference of constituents in miscible liquids is more than $25°\mathrm{C}$, then the constituents are separated by simple distillation.
• If the difference of constituents in miscible liquids is less than $25°\mathrm{C}$, then the constituents are separated by fractional distillation.
• Acetone ($56°\mathrm{C}$) & water ($100°\mathrm{C}$) have different boiling points.
• As a result, the acetone will evaporate & condense first, leaving the salt solution behind.