Experiment Report Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Report: Organic Chemistry 1

Authors’ names:

1 Lynn Dargham

Josee Bassil

3 Maria Clara Al Sayegh

I. Title: Simple Distillation

II. Abstract: (0.5 point)

In the simple distillation of acetone and water, the main objectives were to separate and collect the
individual components based on their different boiling points. The method involved heating the mixture
in a flask, where acetone has a lower boiling point than water. As the mixture vaporized, acetone vapor
would rise first. The vapor was then condensed in a condenser, leading to the collection of relatively
pure acetone in the receiving flask. The process illustrates the effectiveness of simple distillation in
separating components with distinct boiling points. Key findings would include the boiling points of
acetone and water, and the efficiency of the separation achieved through this technique.

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III. Introduction: (1 point)

 Background: Distillation is a separation technique based on differences in boiling points, where

a liquid mixture is heated to vaporize the components, and then the vapor is condensed back
into a liquid.

 Objectives: - Separation: To effectively separate a mixture of acetone and water based on the
difference in their boiling points.

- Purification: To obtain relatively pure samples of acetone and water by collecting the
condensed vapors in separate containers.
- Understanding Distillation Principles: To reinforce the understanding of distillation as a
separation technique, exploiting the variations in boiling points of the components.
- Observation of Boiling Points: To observe and compare the boiling points of acetone and
water, crucial for predicting the sequence of vaporization and achieving successful
separation.

 IV. Materials and Methods: (1.5 points)

Materials: Acetone

Distilled water

Boiling chips or stones (for even boiling)

Glassware: Round-bottom flask, condenser, receiving flask

Thermometer

Heat source

Clamps and stands

Rubber or glass tubing

cold water

Methods: 1. Setup: Assemble the distillation apparatus: place the round-bottom flask, attach the
condenser, and connect the receiving flask. Secure the setup with clamps and stands.

2. Add Mixture: Pour the acetone and water mixture into the round-bottom flask. Add
boiling chips for even boiling.

3. Heat Source: Apply heat to the mixture using a hot plate or Bunsen burner. Gradually
increase the temperature.

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4.Vaporization: Observe the vaporization of acetone, which has a lower boiling point than
water. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer.

5. Condensation: Condense the vapor in the condenser, turning it back into liquid form.
Collect the condensed acetone in the receiving flask.

6. Collection: Collect distilled water separately in another container.

7. Observations: Record temperature changes and the volume of the collected fractions.

8. Modifications/Variations: Adjust heating rate if needed to ensure proper separation.

Note any deviations from expected boiling points.

9. Completion: Conclude the experiment when distillation is complete. Analyze the

collected components for purity.

V. Results: (3 points)

 Data: V=20ml of acetone

 Calculations: V initial=50ml V water= V initial-V acetone= 50-20=30ml

VI. Discussion: (3 points)

 Analysis of Results: [Interpret and discuss the significance of the results obtained.]

 Comparison with Expected Outcomes: [Compare the actual results with expected outcomes
and explain any discrepancies.]

 Sources of Error: [Identify and discuss potential sources of error in the experiment.]

VII. Conclusion: The simple distillation experiment of acetone and water was highly successful in
achieving its objectives. The distillation technique effectively separated acetone and water based on
their distinct boiling points, with acetone vaporizing and condensing first due to its lower boiling point.
The observed boiling points aligned closely with known values, validating the accuracy of the separation
process. The collected fractions demonstrated relative purity, underscoring the efficiency of simple
distillation for obtaining pure components from mixtures. This hands-on experience not only reinforced
theoretical knowledge but also emphasized the practical application of distillation principles. Overall, the
experiment provided a comprehensive understanding of distillation and its role in separating liquids with
significant differences in boiling points. (0.5 points)

VIII. References: Lab manual, Taylor and Francis platform (0.5 points)

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