Question

Separation of Acetone and Benzene from their mixture is carried out by

• A. Fractional distillation
• B. Simple distillation
• C. Fractional distillation using fractionating column
• D. Distillation under reduced pressure

Hint:

Use a fractionating column when the boiling points of miscible liquids differ by less than $25^\circ$C.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Nature of the liquids.
Acetone and benzene are miscible liquids with relatively close boiling points (acetone $\approx 56^\circ$C and benzene $\approx 80^\circ$C).

Step 2: Choice of separation method.
When the difference in boiling points of miscible liquids is small, simple distillation is not efficient. A fractionating column is required to achieve effective separation.

Step 3: Principle involved.
Fractional distillation using a fractionating column allows repeated vaporisation and condensation, leading to better separation of components.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, the separation is carried out by fractional distillation using a fractionating column.