Research and then design a laboratory set-up that would enable you to separate a

Question

Research and then design a laboratory set-up that would enable you to separate a mixture of three hydrocarbons with different boiling points. Draw and label a diagram of your set-up, and develop the procedure you will use to separate the hydrocarbons. Research and then design a laboratory set-up that would enable you to separate a mixture of three hydrocarbons with different boiling points. Draw and label a diagram of your set-up, and develop the procedure you will use to separate the hydrocarbons. Research and then design a laboratory set-up that would enable you to separate a mixture of three hydrocarbons with different boiling points. Draw and label a diagram of your set-up, and develop the procedure you will use to separate the hydrocarbons.

Explanation / Answer

This is basically how gasoline is refined from crude oil. A mixture of hydrocarbons will undergo a process called fractional distillation. In a lab an ordinary boiling flask and condenser can be used. The hydrocarbon with the lowest boiling point will separate first. The temperature will then rise and the next hydrocarbon will boil off until only the one with the highest boiling point remains. Industrially the oil is heated in a still which is composed of a tall tower. The lightest hydrocarbons rise to the top and are collected in troughs. Heavier hydrocarbons are collected in troughs farther down the still. After all the volatile material is distilled, only asphalt remains at the bottom.

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