Two liquids (A) and (B) can be separated by the method of fractional distillation. The boiling point of liquid (A) is less than boiling point of liquid (B). Which of the liquids do you expect to come out first in the distillate? Explain.

Question

Two liquids (A) and (B) can be separated by the method of fractional distillation. The boiling point of liquid (A) is less than boiling point of liquid (B). Which of the liquids do you expect to come out first in the distillate? Explain.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

In the method of the fractional distillation, the temperature of the mixture is gradually increased, and the compound having the lowest boiling point is separated first.

This is because, at high temperature, all the liquids whose boiling point is low will also get evaporated and hence no separation is possible.

Hence, in the given case, the boiling point of liquid (A) is less than boiling point of liquid (B), hence the liquids A is expected to come out first in the distillate.