Final answer:
Fractional distillation is the best method for separating a mixture of butanol and toluene. This process takes advantage of the differences in boiling points of the components in the mixture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best method for separating a mixture of butanol and toluene is fractional distillation. Fractional distillation is a process that takes advantage of the differences in boiling points of the components in the mixture. Butanol has a higher boiling point than toluene, so by heating the mixture, the butanol will vaporize and condense at a lower point in the fractional distillation column, while the toluene will remain in the liquid phase.
During the distillation process, the vapor will rise through the column, condense, and then be collected as separate fractions. The temperature in the column is carefully controlled to ensure that the butanol and toluene separate effectively.
Evaporation after dissolving in DCM would not be an effective method for separating the mixture. Dissolving the mixture in DCM and evaporating the solvent would only result in the mixture being recovered, rather than separating the components. This method is more suitable for separating a solute from a solvent, rather than two volatile liquids.