Question

The given set up in the figure is for the preparation of an acid.

1. Name the acid prepared by this method.
2. Name the reactants used.
3. Why an empty flask is used?
4. What is the drying agent used? Why is this drying agent chosen?
5. What is the role of the inverted funnel in the arrangement?

Answer 1

1. Hydrochloric acid is prepared by this method.
2. The reactants are sodium chloride and Sulphuric acid.
3. Empty flask serves as an anti-suction device. If back suction happens, water will collect in it and not reach the generating flask. Otherwise, if water enters the flask, the reaction will stop and may cause an explosion because of the heat produced.
4. Cone. H₂SO₄ is the drying agent used. Other drying agents, such as P₂O₅ or quick lime (CaO), cannot be used because they react with hydrogen chloride.
5. The purpose of an inverted funnel is to stop back-suction. It also has a large surface area for absorption of HCl gases.