Assignment

1. When a mixture of o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol is subjected to steam distillation, the ortho isomer distills at 93°C but the para isomer does not. Explain it.

2. For what reason are compounds boiling below 100°C not subjected to steam distillation?

3. Consider a liquid X of molar mass 98 g/mol that distills in steam. At the boiling point, the partial pressures of the two liquids X and water are 5.32×10³ Nm⁻² and 9.44×10⁴ Nm⁻² respectively. Calculate the percentage by mass of X in the distillate.

4. During the process of steam distillation, steam is generated outside the flask containing the mixture to be distilled and not inside it. Explain why.

5. Briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of steam distillation as a method of purification.