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Separation Of A Mixture Of Hexane And Toluene

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Abstract The purpose of this experiment is to separate a mixture of hexane and toluene by collecting fractions through simple and fractional distillation. Because hexane’s boiling point is about 68°C and the boiling point of toluene is 111°C, the two compounds distill at different times. Pure products will be analyzed with gas chromatography to determine the success of the distillation. For easy separations, a simple distillation apparatus probably will suffice, but for more difficult separations, a fractional distillation apparatus will be used in this lab. The goal is to show that fractional distillation separates the two compounds more completely because less material is lost. In conclusion the fractional distillation indeed separates the two compound …show more content…

Solid impurities and liquid impurities having quite different boiling points are most easily removed by distillation, but even liquids having similar boiling points can be separated. For easy separations, a "simple distillation" apparatus (Figure 1) will be used for the first part, but for more accurate separations, a "fractional distillation" apparatus (Figure 2) is necessary. In this lab we will be using both apparatuses. Unfortunately, each time a distillation is run, material is lost. Some evaporates into the air and some is left behind, stuck to the apparatus. That is why fractional distillation is the best apparatus to use. It is important to keep a careful record of the temperature at the beginning and end of every fraction you collect. Stop the distillation by removing the heat just before all the liquid in the distilling flask is completely gone. Watching the rate of temperature increase is important, allowing the temperature to increase too quickly can cause impurity. The distillation curves for our simple and fractional distillation clearly demonstrate that fractional distillation separates the two compounds more

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