Simple and Fractional Distillation
The Simple and Fractional distillation experiment was divided into two parts. We split up the procedure in this experiment. My group did the simple distillation and we received the Fractional distillation from another group in class. In this experiment, we examined the effectiveness of fractional and simple distillation to determine which is more successful at extracting a pure sample. This experiment was very successful. We are able to determine the success of the experiment but calculating refractive index of both types of distillation. Based on the theoretical and actual refractive index of both simple and fractional distillation we can determine the success of the experiment. The results are also supported by general conditions of distillation. The actual refractive index for the simple distillation was very similar to the theoretical index we calculated.(Simple- 1.3903 at 22.1 degrees versus Fractional 1.3707 at 22.9) The theoretical refractive index was 1.397 at 20.5 degrees. If depicted in graph form, the lines would match up more closely than the refractive qualities in the fractional distillation. Simple distillations are best separated with two compounds whose boiling points have a difference greater than 30 degrees celsius. The difference between cyclohexane and 2-methylpentane is 52.74 degrees.(cyclohexane-80.74-2 methypentane-28). Unfortunately time didn’t allow us to complete both parts of the experiment on our own and so we relied on the results of others in class. In terms of error, it gives plenty of opportunity for inconsistencies in the data. The inconsistencies could exist due to equipment, or understanding of the lab