Simple distillation is quick and inexpensive, however, it is only recommended fo

Question

Simple distillation is quick and inexpensive, however, it is only recommended for separating compounds with a large difference in boiling point. A good rule of thumb is that it is only effective at separating compounds if the difference between their boiling points is 60 degree C or more. On the other hand, fractional distillation, though more time consuming and expensive, allows us to separate compounds with closer boiling points. A good place to look up boiling points and other physical properties of organic solvents is the American Chemical Society's Division of Organic Chemistry website (https://www.orizanicdivision.org/orig/organic_solvents.html). Use this site to find and record the boiling points of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diglyme (diethylene glycol dimethyl ether). What type of distillation would you recommend to separate a mixture of THF and diglyme? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

The boiling point data:

THF: 65 degC

Diglyme: 162 degC

Simple distillation can be easily used since there is a vast difference in boiling points of the two liquids. Simple distillation is effective when one of the liquid is more volatile and other is non voaltile.Or in other word, difference in boiling points of the two liquids is more than 50 degC.

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