Question

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?

Answer 1

Acetone can be separated from the mixture of salt solution and water by distillation. There is a considerable difference in the boiling point of acetone (${56}^{\circ }C$) and the boiling point of water (${100}^{\circ }C$). So, when the solution is heated, acetone will evaporate before water does and it can be collected after condensation.