Separate Water from Carbon Tetrachloride by Fractional Distillation

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SUMMARY

Fractional distillation can effectively separate water from carbon tetrachloride, which has a boiling point of 76°C compared to water's 100°C. Although a separating funnel is suggested as a better method, simple distillation is viable since carbon tetrachloride can become saturated with water. To achieve an almost anhydrous product, distilled carbon tetrachloride should be left standing over finely divided anhydrous sodium sulfate for a day. Safety precautions are critical due to carbon tetrachloride's status as a liver toxin, necessitating the use of an efficient fume hood during the procedure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fractional distillation techniques
  • Knowledge of boiling point differences in organic solvents
  • Familiarity with anhydrous drying agents like sodium sulfate and calcium chloride
  • Awareness of safety protocols when handling toxic substances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the use of separating funnels for liquid-liquid extraction
  • Learn about the properties and handling of carbon tetrachloride
  • Study the effectiveness of various drying agents in organic chemistry
  • Explore safety measures and regulations for working with toxic chemicals in a laboratory setting
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, laboratory technicians, and safety officers who are involved in organic solvent separation and handling toxic substances will benefit from this discussion.

ritwik06
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Can I separate water from Carbon tetrachloride by the method of fractional distillation? (I agree separating funnel is a better method)
 
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Carbon tetrachloride boils at 76C and water at 100C. They should be separable by simple distillation. The carbon tetrachloride will be saturated with water. You may not see it but water will be dissolved in the organic phase. Leave the distilled carbon tetrachloride standing over finely divided anhydrous sodium sulfate for a day should dry it up fairly effeciently and give you an almost anhydrous product.

You should realize that carbon tet is a liver toxin and that this procedure should be performed in an efficient hood.
 
why not decant

chemisttree said:
Carbon tetrachloride boils at 76C and water at 100C. They should be separable by simple distillation. The carbon tetrachloride will be saturated with water. You may not see it but water will be dissolved in the organic phase. Leave the distilled carbon tetrachloride standing over finely divided anhydrous sodium sulfate for a day should dry it up fairly effeciently and give you an almost anhydrous product.

You should realize that carbon tet is a liver toxin and that this procedure should be performed in an efficient hood.

Carbon tetrachloride will little be dissolved in the water.Decanting from water then drying it with anhydrous calcium chloride will be ok.
 

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