Lab 5: Distillation

theoretical plates

representing a single equilibrium stage where a solute can transfer between the stationary and mobile phases

azeotropes

a mixture of two or more liquids that boils at a constant temperature and has the same composition in both the liquid and vapor phases, making it impossible to separate by simple distillation

simple vs fractional distillation

Fractional has a column with a copper sponge in the condenser between the flask and the distillation head

Fractional produces a better separation between liquids with boiling points closer than 75°C

how to identify the make up of fractions

go up from the initial mole percents you started with

go to the left until you get to the vapor curve

go down to find the composition of the fraction

give an example of an azeotrope

95% ethanol and 5% water

When mixed together, reduces 5% water

purpose of boiling chips

Provide surface area

Prevents bumping and aggressive boiling/bubbling

for the water line, why does water enter from the first tube and leave from the second tube?

As it travels down the condenser, it becomes colder and then leaves

Condenser will never be filled because gravity works to push the water out of the tube