Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : A simple distillation can be used to separate a mixture of propanol and propanone.
Reason (R) : Two liquids with a difference of more than \( 20^\circ\text{C} \) in their boiling points can be separated by simple distillations.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Simple distillation: \( \Delta\text{BP}>25^\circ\text{C} \).
Fractional distillation: \( \Delta\text{BP}<25^\circ\text{C} \).
Check the BP of common solvents: Acetone (\( 56^\circ\text{C} \)), Water (\( 100^\circ\text{C} \)), Ethanol (\( 78^\circ\text{C} \)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Simple distillation is a technique used to separate components of a mixture containing two miscible liquids that boil without decomposition and have a sufficient difference in their boiling points.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Analyzing Assertion (A): Propanone (acetone) has a boiling point of approximately \( 56^\circ\text{C} \). Propan-1-ol (propanol) has a boiling point of approximately \( 97^\circ\text{C} \). The difference in their boiling points is \( 97 - 56 = 41^\circ\text{C} \). Since this difference is significant, they can be effectively separated using simple distillation. Thus, the assertion is true.
2. Analyzing Reason (R): Generally, if the boiling point difference between two liquids is greater than \( 25^\circ\text{C} \) (the question uses \( 20^\circ\text{C} \) as a threshold, which is a common pedagogical benchmark for simple vs. fractional distillation), simple distillation is applicable. If the difference is less, fractional distillation is required. Thus, the reason is true.
3. Conclusion: The reason correctly explains why propanol and propanone can be separated by simple distillation (because their boiling point difference \( 41^\circ\text{C} \) is greater than the \( 20^\circ\text{C} \) threshold).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).