Question

Two miscible liquids, A and B, are present in a mixture. The boiling point of A is 60°C and the boiling point of B is 90°C. Suggest a method to separate them. Also, draw a labelled diagram of the method suggested.

Answer 1

The boiling points of the two miscible liquids differ by 30°C (90°C − 60°C).

Since this difference is greater than 25°C, they can be separated using simple distillation.

When the mixture is heated, liquid A, which has the lower boiling point of 60°C, boils and turns into vapour first. The vapour then passes through the condenser, where it cools and condenses back into liquid form. This condensed liquid A is collected as the distillate, while liquid B, with the higher boiling point of 90°C, remains in the distillation flask.