UG Department of Chemistry

CHM 2205 Physical Chemistry Experiment #1

Title: The Variation of boiling point and vapour pressure with composition of a binary
mixture of liquids

This experiment is based on the extent to which intermolecular forces are affected by mixing of
two miscible liquids.

Set up the reflux apparatus as advised. The thermometer should dip into the liquid, but must not
touch the flask wall. Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus in operation.
Combinations of liquids under study: CHCl3 / CH3COCH3 and 1- propanol/2- propanol.

Procedure

Measure 10.0 cm3 of one liquid directly into the flask and heat until a slow steady reflux is
obtained. Read the boiling point. Allow to cool briefly before adding 2.0 cm3 of the second
liquid via measuring pipette or other adroit means and reheat until a slow steady reflux is again
obtained. Take reading after further successive additions of 2.0 cm 3 portions until a total of 10.0
cm3 of the second liquid has been added. Repeat the experiment starting with 10.0 cm3 of the
second liquid in the flask and make 2.0 cm3 additions of the first liquid.

Data Treatment

Record your readings in a tabular form (one possible format shown below).

Mixture Boiling Point Vapour Pressure

Vol. of Vol. of Vol. % Mole Fraction °C K Total CH3COCH3
CH3COCH3 CHCl3 CH3COCH3 CH3COCH3

Mixture Boiling Point Vapour Pressure

Vol. of Vol. of Vol. % Mole Fraction °C K Total 1-Propanol
1-Propanol 2-Propanol 1-Propanol 1-Propanol

Plot graphs of:

1. Boiling points against % composition by volume.
2. Boiling point against % composition by mole fraction
3. Vapour pressure against % composition (if possible even by approximation), if not
possible explain why not.
Question
Can a mixture of liquids be purified using simple distillation? Justify your position.