RP5: Distilling a product from a reaction

Draw an apparatus of simple distillation (6)

What is the purpose of distillation in organic chemistry? (2)

- Used as a separation technique to isolate an organic product from its reacting mixture

- By collecting the distillate at the approximate boiling point of the desired liquid

What is the purpose of the Liebig condenser in distillation? (1)

To cool and condense the vaporised liquid into a distillate

Why does water enter from the bottom of the Liebig condenser? (2)

- Ensures more efficient cooling.

- Prevents backflow of water.

What type of flask is used in distillation, and why? (2)

- A round-bottomed flask is used

- Because it allows even heating of the liquid

Draw and label a diagram of the apparatus for fractional distillation (3)

What is the purpose of fractional distillation? (1)

Fractional distillation is used to separate liquids with different boiling points

How is the mixture heated in fractional distillation? (2)

- The flask is heated using a Bunsen burner or an electric mantle

- To produce vapours of all the components in the mixture

What happens to vapours as they pass up the fractionating column? (2)

- The vapour of the substance with the lower boiling point reaches the top of the fractionating column first.

- Vapours with higher boiling points condense back into the flask.

Where should the thermometer be placed in the fractional distillation apparatus? (1)

The thermometer should be at or below the boiling point of the most volatile substance

What happens to the most volatile vapour in fractional distillation? (1)

What happens to the most volatile vapour in fractional distillation? (1)

What is the function of the condenser in fractional distillation? (1)

The condenser cools the vapors and condenses them into a liquid, which is then collected