Verified Solution Science Exploring Mixtures and their Separation

Why is simple distillation not suitable for separating water and ethanol?

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
Answer

Simple distillation is effective for separating liquids with a large difference in boiling points (typically > 25°C). Water and ethanol have boiling points of 100°C and 78°C respectively, which are too close for complete separation by simple distillation; they would vaporize together to a significant extent.

Was this solution helpful?
1
Practice more questions on Exploring Mixtures and their Separation — download a free worksheet. Download
Not the question you're searching for? + Ask your question