Question

Which of the following is true regarding azeotropes?

(a) An azeotrope does not exhibit the same concentration in the vapour phase and the liquid phase

(b) Azeotropic mixtures cannot be separated into their constituents by fractional distillation

(c) In case of minimum boiling azeotropes, the boiling point of the azeotrope is higher than the boiling point of either of the pure components

(d) In case of maximum boiling azeotropes, the boiling point of the azeotrope is lesser than the boiling point of either of the pure components

This question was posed to me in semester exam.

The query is from Ideal and Non-Ideal Solutions in division Solutions of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) Azeotropic mixtures cannot be separated into their constituents by fractional distillation

The explanation is: Azeotropes have the same concentration in the vapour phase and the liquid phase. In case of minimum boiling azeotropes, the boiling point of the azeotrope is lesser than the boiling point of either of the pure components. In case of maximum boiling azeotropes, the boiling point of the azeotrope is higher than the boiling point of either of the pure components.