Final answer:
Fractional distillation is the appropriate technique for separating hexane and toluene because it effectively separates liquids with close boiling points, like those seen in the distillation of petroleum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suitable distillation technique for the separation of hexane and toluene in a laboratory experiment is fractional distillation. Fractional distillation is used to separate mixtures of liquids with close boiling points by taking advantage of the slight differences in their boiling temperatures. As the mixture is heated, the component with the lower boiling point, in this case, hexane, will vaporize first and can be condensed and collected separately from toluene. This process is commonly observed in the distillation of petroleum, a similar separation of hydrocarbons based on boiling points.
Distillation is a key process in both laboratory and industrial settings, essential for refining petroleum, isolating fermentation products, or purifying water. In the lab, the fractional distillation setup typically involves a distillation column that allows for the separation based on the different volatilities of substances when heated. This method is effective for separating hexane and toluene as they have a significant difference in boiling points but not enough to warrant simple distillation.