Paper 3: Required practical 5 - Distillation of a reaction product

Question 1

What equipment is used for distillation?

Answer 1

• Semi-micro distillation apparatus
• Quickfit apparatus (pear shaped flask, liebeg condenser, still head, stopper, receiver adaptor, thermometer and collectrion vessel)

Question 2

Why are anti-bumping granules used in distillation?

Answer 2

To allow smooth boiling - preventing bubbles caused by vapour to cause upwards splashing in the flask

Question 3

How do you isolate a liquid product?

Answer 3

• Use a separating funnel to isolate the organic layer from the aqueous layer
• Shake the flask
• Allow the layers to separate
• Open the tep and run off one layer into a separate container