RP 5 - Distillation of a reaction product

Question 1

What is distillation?

Answer 1

Distillation is a technique where a liquid is heated to create a vapour which is cooled by a condenser causing the gas to condense into a liquid and drip into a separate flask. The species separate due to relative volatilities and boiling points.

Question 2

What equipment is used for distillation?

Answer 2

Distillation is either done with:
- Semi micro distillation apparatus
- Quick fit apparatus

Question 3

What is an oxidising agent?

Answer 3

Oxidising agents oxidise other chemicals by receiving electrons from them. Oxidising agents are in tern reduced.

Question 4

Why are anti-bumping granules used in distillation?

Answer 4

To allow smooth boiling prevent preventing bubbles caused by vapo to cause upward splashing in the flask

Question 5

How do you isolate a liquid product?

Answer 5

You can use a separating funnel to isolate the organic layer from the aqueous layer.

1) Shake the flask.
2) Allow the layers to separate.
3) Then open the tap and run off one layer into a separate container.