Question

How could you separate a mixture of acetone and alpha-naphthol?

Answer 1

Answer :  The mixture of acetone and alpha naphthol can be separated using simple distillation method.

Explanation :

The melting point of alpha naphthol is around 95 °C whereas boiling point of acetone is around 55°C. Therefore the mixture can be separated using simple distillation method.

In this method, the mixture is taken in a stoppered bottle which has a tube inserted through the stopper for passing the vapors .The container is gently heated. Acetone being volatile, gets converted to vapors at its boiling point. Since melting point of alpha naphthol is much higher than the boiling point of acetone, it remains in dissolved form and does not melt when the mixture is heated.

The vapors of acetone are passed through the tube and as they pass through the tube, they get condensed. The condensed liquid is collected in another container.

After all the acetone is evaporated, solid alpha naphthol is left at the bottom of the container.

In this manner, the mixture of acetone and alpha naphthol is separated.