A flask contains a mixture of isohexane and 3-methylpentane. One of the liquids boils at $63^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ while the other boils at $60^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. What is the best way to separate

Question

A flask contains a mixture of isohexane and 3-methylpentane. One of the liquids boils at $63^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ while the other boils at $60^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. What is the best way to separate the two liquids and which one will be distilled out first?

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Identify the Compounds and Their Boiling Points

- Isohexane (2-methylpentane): bp = 60°C
- 3-Methylpentane: bp = 63°C
- Boiling point difference = 63 − 60 = 3°C

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Distillation Technique

| Technique | When Used | Applicable Here? |
|---|---|---|
| Simple distillation | bp difference  25°C | ❌ (difference = 3°C) |
| Fractional distillation | bp difference < 25°C | ✅ (difference = 3°C) |

A bp difference of only 3°C is too small for simple distillation to giv

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