SEPARATING

TECHNIQUES
PROPERTIES OF COMPONENTS
Food coloring: liquid, soluble in water
Kerosene: insoluble in water, less dense
than water, liquid
Copper powder: insoluble in water, solid

PROCEDURE
1. Extraction with Solvents:
Kerosene layer (pale yellow)
Since the colored dyes are soluble in water
while kerosene and copper powder are not, we
can perform “suitable solvent” separation.
Transfer the industrial effluent to a separating
funnel and add water. This will separate the
Coloured dye and water layer dyes from the kerosene. Since kerosene is less
dense, it will rise above the water in the
separating funnel.

PROCEDURE
2. Separation of Layers: Kerosene layer (pale
Allow the mixture to settle so that two distinct yellow)
layers form – a layer containing the dissolved
dyes and a layer containing kerosene and copper
powder.
Carefully drain the water (containing the
Coloured dye and
colored dyes) into a separate container, leaving water
behind the kerosene layer.

PROCEDURE
3. Removal of Copper Powder:
If there's a significant amount of copper
copper
powder suspended in the water and
powder colored dyes, filtration might be necessary
to remove it. The solid copper particles will
be retained on the filter paper, isolating
the water and coloured dye.
Coloured dye and
water
 PROCEDURE
4. Purification of Colored Dyes:
The colored dye solution may have impurities. And
we have to find the identities of the dyes.
Techniques such as chromatography can be
employed. Simple column chromatography can be
used to separate individual dyes based on their
interactions with the solvent. By using this
method, we can split individual identities of the
dye and analyse them.

SAFETY HAZARDS!!!
Chemical Hazards:
Hazard: Kerosene is an irritant and can
cause redness and blisters when in contact
with skin.
Precautions:
Handle the industrial effluent with
caution, wearing appropriate chemical-
resistant gloves to prevent skin contact.

SAFETY HAZARDS!!!
Physical Hazards:
Hazard: Glassware such as the separating funnel or filter holder could
break or shatter, posing a risk of cuts or injuries.
Precautions:
Handle glassware with care and inspect for defects before use.
Use appropriate clamps and supports to secure glassware in place
and prevent accidental tipping or falling.
Dispose of broken glassware in designated containers to prevent
injuries to laboratory personnel.

SAFETY HAZARDS!!!
Fire Hazards: (may not be related to the experiment, but
better safe than sorry!)
Hazard: kerosene is flammable and can easily ignite.
Precautions:
Avoid open flames or sources of ignition near
flammable substances.
Have a fire extinguisher readily available in the
laboratory and ensure that laboratory personnel are
trained in its proper use.

REFERENCES:
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2024a, January 20). Kerosene. Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/kerosene
https://apexoil.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kerosene-11-15-2018.pdf
Chemistry textbook