Hazard warning :

Methyl ethanoate, ethanol, cyclohexene, propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol are all flammable.
Trichloromethane is toxic. Therefore, we MUST :
1) KEEP THE STOPPER ON THE BOTTLES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
2) KEEP THE BOTTLES AWAY FROM FLAMES
3) USE TRICHLOROMETHANE IN THE FUME CUPBOARD
4) WEAR SAFELY SPECTACLES
Procedure :
1. A suitable assembly for reflux as shown was setted up in either of the above
diagrams, with the flask positioned over a tripod and gauze. It is important that the
thermometer is positioned so that it was dipped into the liquid mixture but it mist not
touched the walls of the flask.
2. One of the three systems was chosen. If possible, ensured that the other students in

your class investigate the other systems. In the remaining procedure step we were
referred o the components of each system A or B., as shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1
System
1
2
3

Component A
Trichloromethane, CHCl3
Ethanol, C2H5OH
Propanol-1-ol,CH3(CH2)2OH

Component B
Methyl ethanoate,CH3CO2CH3
Cyclohexane, C6H12
Propan-2-ol, CH3CH(OH)CH3

3. 20 cm3 of A and 20 cm3 of B were poured into separate labeled burettes.

4. 10.0 cm3 of A from the burette was transferred to the pear-shaped flask containing a
few anti-pumping granules. The flask was heated gently until the liquid just begins to
boil.
5. The boiling point of A was recorded.
6. The Bunsen burner was turned off and allowed the apparatus to cool for about two
minutes.
7. 2.0cm3 of liquid B was measured from the burette into a test tube and poured this
liquid down the condenser into the pear-shaped flask.
8. Reheated the flask gently until the liquid mixture just boils and recorded its boiling
point.
9. Stages 6, 7 and 8 were repeated with further addition of 2 cm3 portions of component
B until a total 10 cm3 of B has been added.
10. Allowed the apparatus to cool and the mixture is disposed safely.
11. Repeated the experiment from step 4, this time starting with 10 cm 3 of liquid B in the
flask and adding 2 cm3 of component A after each boiling point determination until a
total of 10 cm3 of A has been added.