The experiment of Separation of two miscible liquids by distillation.

Aim: To separate a mixture of acetone and water using the distillation method.

Requirements: Distillation flask, a mixture of acetone and water, thermometer, condenser, etc

Principle: Acetone has a low boiling point than water and so is vaporizes faster. The temperature should not exceed the boiling point of water which is determined with the help of a thermometer. Acetone will turn into liquid when it passes through the condenser and water will be left behind in the distillation flask. Hence, pure acetone can be obtained.

Procedure:

• Take the mixture in a distillation flask.
• Fit it with a thermometer and arrange the apparatus as shown
• Heat the mixture slowly keeping a close watch at the thermometer.
• The acetone vaporises, condenses in the condenser, and can be collected from the condenser outlet.

Observation: Acetone got vaporized and while passing through the condenser, it got converted into liquid form again.

Inference/ Result: Acetone is a volatile liquid and vaporises easily on heating and water remains in the flask as till it’s the boiling point is not received. On cooling, acetone again converts into its liquid form which is free of water.