Question

Can those substances that can be separated by simple distillation be separated by fractional distillation as well? I mean, the NCERT says fractional distillation method is used to separate substances whose difference in boiling points is lesser than 25degrees. But my doubt is, a fractional distillation set up differs from a simple one in having a fractionating column, which makes the process efficient ,AM I CORRECT? and so,WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION?Please help me ASAP.

Answer 1

Fractional distillation is a method for separating a liquid from a mixture of two or more liquids. For example, liquid ethanol can be separated from a mixture of ethanol and water by fractional distillation. This method works because the liquids in the mixture have different boiling points.if both the liquid have same boiling point then it's vapour phase will contain 50percent of each liquid and we will again get the same mixture. you can separate it by using other techniques like chromatography, osmosis etc.