Question

During distillation, superheating of the reaction mixture should be avoided. Which of the following would prevent superheating?

A) Using a large distillation flask.
B) Increasing the heating rate.
C) Providing efficient cooling.
D) Using a higher boiling point solvent.

Answer 1

To prevent superheating during distillation, efficient cooling is essential as it ensures proper condensation of the vapors and avoids excessive temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent superheating during the distillation process, providing efficient cooling would be the most effective method. This option, labeled as C) Providing efficient cooling, ensures that as the vapors rise they are properly condensed, reducing the chance of overheating the reaction mixture. In contrast, using a large distillation flask (A) or a higher boiling point solvent (D) does not directly prevent superheating of the distillate. Increasing the heating rate (B) would likely contribute to superheating, not prevent it. Therefore, efficient cooling is a key component in separating mixtures through distillation by avoiding excessive temperatures that could lead to superheating.