Question

Which of the following metals cannot be refined by distillation?

(a) Zinc

(b) Cadmium

(c) Mercury

(d) Tin

I have been asked this question during a job interview.

This interesting question is from Refining topic in section General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) Tin

To explain I would say: Distillation process is used for refining metals that are usually volatile in nature. Zinc, cadmium and mercury are refined vial distillation where the pure metal distils over, leaving behind the non-volatile impurities.