Question

Two liquids A and B form type II non-ideal solution which shows a minimum in its temperature-mole fraction plot (T-χ diagram). Can the two liquids be completely separated by fractional distillation?

Answer 1

No, the two liquids A and B, cannot be completely separated by fractional distillation.

A Type II non-ideal solution showing a minimum in the temperature-composition (T-χ) diagram forms a positive azeotrope. At the azeotropic composition, the liquid and vapour have the same composition, so no further separation is possible by fractional distillation beyond this point. Thus, complete separation is not achievable using this method.