Written By Adeel Abbas
Distillation is a common method of separating mixtures. It involves heating a mixture to vaporize one or more of its components and then cooling and condensing the vapor.
Here are 20 examples of mixtures that can be separated by distillation.
Examples of mixtures that can be separated by distillation
Table of Contents
1: Ethanol and water
This is a common mixture used in the production of alcoholic beverages. Distillation can be used to separate the ethanol from the water, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol.
2: Crude oil
Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other compounds. Distillation is used in the refining process to separate the various components based on their boiling points.
3: Azeotropic mixtures like HCl and water
Azeotropic mixtures are those in which the boiling point of the mixture is the same as that of one of its components. Distillation can be used to break these mixtures into their individual components.
4: Air
Distillation can be used to separate the different components of air, which are mostly gases. The process is based on the different boiling points of the gases.
5: Acetone and water
Acetone is a common solvent used in industry and laboratories. Distillation can be used to separate acetone from water, resulting in a higher purity of acetone.
6: Ethanol and gasoline
Ethanol is commonly added to gasoline as an octane booster. Distillation can be used to separate the ethanol from gasoline for reuse or disposal.
7: Methyl acetate and methanol
Methyl acetate is commonly used as a solvent in the production of paints and coatings. Distillation can be used to separate it from methanol.
8: Benzene and toluene
Benzene and toluene are both aromatic hydrocarbons that are commonly used as solvents in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other for reuse or disposal.
9: Cyclohexane and toluene
Cyclohexane and toluene are both organic solvents that are commonly used in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
10: Water and methanol
Water and methanol are commonly used as solvents and fuels in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
11: Methanol and acetone
Methanol and acetone are commonly used as solvents and fuels in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
12: Methanol and isopropyl alcohol
Methanol and isopropyl alcohol are both commonly used as solvents and antiseptics. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
13: Methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol
Methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol are both commonly used as solvents and fuels. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
14: Nitric acid and water
Nitric acid is a strong acid commonly used in the production of fertilizers and explosives. Distillation can be used to separate it from water.
15: Hexane and heptane
Hexane and heptane are both hydrocarbon solvents commonly used in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
16: Ethyl acetate and ethanol
Ethyl acetate and ethanol are both commonly used as solvents in the chemical industry. Distillation can be used to separate them from each other based on their boiling points.
17: Butanol and water
Butanol is commonly used as a solvent and fuel. Distillation can be used to separate it from water.
18: Aniline and water
Aniline is a chemical used in the production of dyesand pharmaceuticals. Distillation can be used to separate it from water and other impurities.
19: Ethylene glycol and water
Ethylene glycol is a common component of antifreeze and coolants. Distillation can be used to separate it from water, resulting in a higher purity of ethylene glycol.
20: Glycerol and water
Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel production and is commonly used in the production of soaps, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Distillation can be used to separate it from water and other impurities.