Question

What kind of compounds need to be purified by vacuum distillation?

1) Organic compounds
2) Inorganic compounds
3) Both organic and inorganic compounds
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Both organic and inorganic compounds may require purification by vacuum distillation if they have high boiling points or decompose upon heating. Vacuum distillation lowers the boiling point by reducing pressure, and preventing compound decomposition. So the correct answer is option (3).

Step-by-step explanation:

Compounds that need to be purified by vacuum distillation are generally those that decompose or degrade at high temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is 3) Both organic and inorganic compounds. Vacuum distillation is used when the boiling points of the substances to be separated are usually above 150°C and close to or over the decomposition temperature of the compound. By lowering the pressure, the boiling point of the compound is reduced, and it can be distilled at a lower temperature to avoid decomposition.

Organic compounds, such as hexane (C6H14), may require vacuum distillation when they have high boiling points or are sensitive to heat. Likewise, inorganic compounds may also be purified through vacuum distillation if they share these characteristics. For example, many metals and their salts can be purified using this method when they have high boiling points or are prone to oxidation upon heating.