|
Chemistry
233
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
|
Back
to Table of Contents
Experiment
3: Fractional
Distillation
Summary
Fractional distillation
is a technique used to separate volatile compounds with boiling points
that differ by less than 50° C. In this experiment, you will distill
a mixture of methanol (b.p. 65°C) and water (b.p. 100°C). Using
data obtained in this experiment, you will graphically demonstrate how
head temperature changes with the composition of the distillate.
Procedure
Obtain 60 mL of
a sample of one of the methanol/water mixtures from the carboys in the
lab. Record which sample you chose (A, B, or Q). Add the mixture and
a few boiling chips to a clean 100 mL round bottom flask. Set up the
apparatus for fractional distillation as demonstrated in lab.
Use the Thermowell
to heat the flask.
Do not put the Thermowell
directly on the desk top because of the heat.
|
|
Plug the Thermowell
into the Variac on your bench.
Do not plug
directly in the wall outlet.
WARNING:
If operated at 110 V without a flask the thermowell can reach 500
- 550 °C.
|
|
Use
a distilling column to help separate the mixture. |
|
You will use
a digital thermometer to measure the distillation temperature. |
|
The temperature
probe is fitted with a thermometer adapter so it fits in the standard
taper joint of the distillation head. |
|
The
thermometer adapter allows you to put the thermometer into the distilling
adapter. |
|
Use
joint clamps and hose clamps. |
|
Here
is the completed apparatus. |
|
Have
your set-up approved by your TA before you begin.
Begin heating the
sample on a low setting and increase the temperature as needed. Collect
the distillate in a graduated cylinder. Record the head temperature
when you collect the first drop of distillate, and then record the head
temperature at every two milliliters of distillate collected. Stop the
distillation when you have recorded three readings at about 100°C,
even if you haven't distilled all of the sample.
DO
NOT heat the flask to dryness.
Formal
Report
In addition to
the requirements listed in the formal lab report handout, your report
should include the following:
1 . References
to procedure with changes noted
2. Table of recorded
data (volume collected and head temperature)
3. Graph of
distillation data: Make a plot with the head temperature on the
y-axis and the volume
of distillate on the x-axis (see page 129 of your text). Draw an AVERAGE
line through the data points. DO NOT simply connect the dots.
4. Summary table
of data: Use your graph to determine the volume and boiling point
range
of each "fraction." Make a table that includes Fraction number,
collected volume, and boiling range. Here is a sample table structure.
5. Interpretation
of data and conclusion, including the methanol/water ratio of your
sample.
Tutorials
You should work
the web-based ChemNet tutorials on distillation before going to the
lab.
Back
to Table of Contents
|