Question

4. Simple distillation gave us a mixture of products, especially in the case of 2- methylcyclohexanol. Below is a list of purification methods. Explain if the method could be used to separate the products. If the technique cannot be used to separate the products, briefly explain why.

a. Fractional Distillation

b. Column Chromatography

c. Recrystallization d. Extractions

Answer 1

A. For answering rhis part correctly, the composition of the mixture is required. 2 methylcyclohexanol has the boiling point of 165 °C and could be isolated by fractional distillation depending on the boiling point of other components of the mixture.

B. Column chromatography can be used. This depends on the polarity and partitioning of the compound between silica and mobile phase.

C. This is a liquid. So this cannot be recrystallized.

D. Extraction can be used if there is difference in the polarity of 2 methylcyclohexanol and the other components of the mixture.