Technique C:
Fractional Distillation
&
Simple Distillation
Brandon Meekins
Dr. Michelle Waddell
Chem 301L – General Organic Chemistry Lab I
Meekins
3
6 November 2018
Abstract
In this lab, students learned the basic the techniques of Fractional and Simple
distillation. The techniques of Fractional and Simple distillation were used to separate a
mixture of Cyclohexane and Acetone. Students gained experience in purifying organic
chemicals on a “micro” scale. Boiling points were recorded for both techniques and the best
method was chosen.
Fraction distillation was chosen as the best method for the separation of
a mixture containing cyclohexane and acetone. This was so because the boiling points were
reasonably close together
(<40˚C).
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment was to learn the fundamentals of Fractional and
Simple distillation. Students built a Fractional Distillation and Simple Distillation apparatus
to separate a mixture of Cyclohexane and Acetone. The importance and uses of both
techniques were stressed to students.
Table of Reagents
Name
Structure
Boiling/
point
(C˚)
Density
g/cm
Molecular
weight
(g/mol )
Hazards
Acetone
56
.
791
58.08
Highly
flammabl
e
Cyclohexane
80.74
.779
84.16
Highly
flammabl
e
Meekins
4
Background
Distillation is a process used to separate a mixture of two liquids with different
boiling points. The mixture is heated until the liquid with a lower boiling point begins to
evaporate. The evaporating liquid drips into a separate flask, thus separating the now to pure
liquids. There are two common distillation techniques used in chemistry, they include simple
