Question

Consider the boiling stones added to the mixture (and solvent) before heating during Solid Liquid Extraction and Filtration. Which statements are true? Select all that apply.

a. The ether-insoluble cellulose could have served the role (prevent bumping) of the boiling stones
b. It is good practice to be in the habit of adding boiling stones to all liquids that are going to be heated in the laboratory.
c. The boiling stones lower the boiling point of ether.
d. The boiling stones prevent hot pockets of vapor from building up in the heated solvent, which if left unchecked, can lead to violent bumping, splashes, and boil overs.

Answer 1

Boiling stones serve to prevent bumping and the buildup of hot pockets of vapor during heating in solid-liquid extraction and filtration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statements are:

a. The ether-insoluble cellulose could have served the role (prevent bumping) of the boiling stones.

d. The boiling stones prevent hot pockets of vapor from building up in the heated solvent, which if left unchecked, can lead to violent bumping, splashes, and boil overs.

Adding boiling stones to a mixture and solvent before heating during solid-liquid extraction and filtration serves two important purposes. First, boiling stones, like ether-insoluble cellulose, help prevent bumping by providing nucleation sites for bubbles to form. This prevents the sudden release of vapor and the violent splashing that can occur. Second, boiling stones help to prevent the buildup of hot pockets of vapor in the heated solvent. These hot pockets can cause bumping, splashes, and boil overs, which can be dangerous in the laboratory. Therefore, adding boiling stones is good practice to ensure a safe and controlled heating process.