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GONONG, D.A.G.

GUTIERREZ,H.A.G.

HAGIWARA, K. L.

JAVIER, C.B. DLR.

LABAJO, A.M. F.

2C-MT, Faculty of Pharmacy, UST



This test was carried out in order to differentiate simple distillation from fractional distillation,
to separate the components of an alcoholic beverage, and to calculate the percentage of ethanol in a
certain beverage. There are several types of distillation, which will be discussed later on in this text.
The group was assigned to perform simple distillation. At the beginning of the task, distribution of
labor was observed in order to maximize the group¶s efficiency. Each member was required to give
their own contributions and be productive with their tasks. After the whole distillation process, the first
and last test tubes were kept in order to test them for flammability. This flammability may happen due
to the ethanol found in the distillate. The computations performed for this experiment are the percent
alcohol and percent loss. Percent alcohol determines the percentage of ethanol found in the beverage,
while percent loss ascertains the amount of sample lost while doing the experiment. At the end of
experiment, every member helped one another in cleaning the work place.

 length. Components (fractions) with a

 Distillation is a process of
converting a liquid into a vapor,
condensing the vapor, and then collecting
the distillate in another container. This
technique is used to separate components
in a liquid mixture, which contains
different boiling points, or to separate a
component that is not volatile. This is also
one of the methods used to purify liquids.
There are four methods of distillation:
simple distillation, fractional distillation,
vacuum distillation, and steam distillation.
Simple distillation refers to the
"simple" separation of compounds by
evaporating the liquid and collecting it
after it passes through a condenser to be
changed into a liquid state. Fractional

distillation separates the different
components in a chemical mixture
according to their different boiling points.
The liquid is raised to boiling and vapors
pass through a tubular column where
temperature is gradually lowered along its
higher boiling point condense on the
column and return to the solution.
Fractions with a lower boiling point pass
through the column and are collected.
Vacuum distillation is a method of
distillation whereby the pressure above
the liquid mixture to be distilled is reduced
to less than its vapor pressure causing
evaporation of the most volatile liquid.
Lastly, steamed distillation is a distillation
in which vaporization of the volatile
constituents of a liquid mixture takes
place at a lower temperature by the
introduction of steam directly into the
charge; steam used in this manner is
known as open steam, also known as
steam stripping.

The experiment required a quick-fit
apparatus, vodka, alcohol lamp, and
boiling stones. Simple distillation was the
kind of distillation assigned to the group.
This form of distillation separates
components through a simple process of
evaporation and condensation. Simple
distillation is possible due to different
boiling point of components in a mixture.

The first step in this experiment

requires preparation of materials. This
involves labeling and calibrating test tubes
to 0.5mL that will be used to receive the
distillate. Simultaneously, 3 members of
the group carefully prepared the set-up.
This set-up is prepared with the use of
two iron stands, one supports the
condenser, and one holds the quick-fit
distilling flask. Under the quick-fit distilling
flask is the alcohol lamp, above the flask
is a thermometer and on its distal portion
is the attachment of the condenser. On The only difference between the simple
the end of the condenser most proximate and fractional distillation set-up is that in
to the distilling flask is the water outlet, fractional distillation, a reflux or a
while the projection on the other side is fractional column is added to the set-up,
for the water inlet. above the distilling flask containing the
liquid. Fractional distillation is more
After the preparation of the set-up, efficient to use when the boiling points of
3 pieces of boiling stones are introduced chemical in the mixture are near to each
into the flask that contains 30 mL of other. Also, because of its repeated
vodka. Then an alcohol lamp was lit up vaporization-condensation cycles within
and placed directly below the distilling the packed fractionating column which
flask. The lamp requires rotation in order block the gas from directly rising by
to control the distribution of heat to the putting a large amount of surface area in
set-up. It is also important to record the its way before it rises to the condenser,
temperature of the first drop and so as the more volatile the component the more
every distillate received by the 0.5 mL it prevents contamination of the distillate.
calibrated test tubes. The group stopped On the other hand, Simple distillation is
collecting distillate as soon as the efficient to use only when the components
temperature reached the 90°C mark. of a compound or a mixture has very far
boiling points.
Subsequent to the experiment
performed. Test for flammability was Before the distillation process starts or at
executed. This test requires a watch glass, 0 volume, the temperature is at 35oC.
a source of flame (match), and the 1st
and last distillate. Placing 3-5 drops of 
 

distillate from the 1st test tube on a watch 0.5 mL 80oC
glass and the application of flame to it 1.0 mL 80oC
from a lightened match did this procedure. 1.5 mL 80oC
The previous process was repeated to the 2.0 mL 80oC
last test tube. The presence of flame 2.5 mL 81oC
pertains that there is ethanol in the 3.0 mL 82oC
distillate. 3.5 mL 82oC
4.0 mL 82oC
˜

4.5 mL 83oC
The Simple Distillation Set-Up: 5.0 mL 83oC
5.5 mL 83oC
 ý.0 mL 83oC The group was able to derive 3ý.ý7%
ý.5 mL 84oC ethanol from the sample liquid.
7.0 mL 84oC
7.5 mL 84oC The percentage loss was computed by
8.0 mL 85oC using the formula:
8.5 mL 8ýoC
9.0 mL 8ýoC ï


ï

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9.5 mL 8ý.5oC %loss = x 100
10.0 mL 87oC ï

10.5 mL 88oC
11.0 mL 89oC
11.5 mL 90oC







st
The content of the 1 test tube and the
last test tube was tested for their
flammability. Both produced fire, meaning
the distillate collected from the first test
tube and the last test tube contains
ethanol.
The data gathered above were graphed
and from the graph, the initial and final
volume was taken which was needed to be
able to compute the percentage of ethanol
in the liquid sample which is Vodka.
%loss = x 100


%Loss = 3.33%
The percentage loss shows the amount of
spilled liquid during the span of the
experiment. The % loss may also be an
indication of error that occurred in the
experiment and since the experiment
yielded 3.33% loss, it is reasonable and
expected, yet there might be errors that
occurred that might be improved in the
succeeding experiment like for example
the modulation of heat or lack of
temperature control, reading of
temperature from the thermometer, the
attachment or tuning of the instruments
used that could have allowed proper
removal of vapor from the instrument. All
in all, the process of distillation is an
effective way of separating and/or purifies
liquid mixtures.

Using the formula:

˜

ï

ï
Organic Chemistry Laboratory Manual

% ethanol = x100
www.chemistry.com
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www.orgchem.colorado.edu


www.chemistryabout.com
% ethanol = x 100
www.villanovaorgo.com


www.scribd.com/doc/1018197/Fractional-
Distillation-of-an-Ethanol-water-Mixture-
= 3ý.ý7% ethanol