Distillation can be used to make 96% pure toluene more pure. This process is widely preferred for purifying an organic solvent with a low boiling point, such as toluene. Here is a detailed explanation of this process:
Necessary Materials:
1. Distillation apparatus:
Heater (heating mantle or water bath)
Distillation flask
Thermometer
Cooler (Liebig or spiral cooler)
Collection container
Support bars and clamps
2. Chemicals and Safety Materials:
96% purity toluene
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate (to reduce water content)
Protective goggles, lab coat, nitrile gloves
A well-ventilated area or fume hood
Step 1: Preliminary Preparation
1. Moisture removal:
Toluene may contain some moisture. You can remove moisture by mixing toluene with anhydrous magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate for a while. Then filter the chemical.
2. Assembling the apparatus:
Connect the distillation flask, cooler, thermometer and collection vessel correctly.
Carefully transfer the toluene into the distillation flask. The balloon should be no more than two-thirds full.
Step 2: Distillation
1. Heating:
Heat toluene slowly. The boiling point of toluene is between 110-111°C.
When this temperature range is reached on the thermometer, you will see the toluene begin to vaporize.
2. Vapor Condensation:
As the toluene vapor passes through the cooler, it condenses and flows into the collection vessel in liquid form.
3. Collection of the Pure Fraction:
First, impurities with a low boiling point, the so-called "pre-fraction", can be collected (usually liquids arriving at a temperature lower than 110°C).
Then, pure toluene in the 110-111°C range is collected.
Finally, the residue with a high boiling point remains in the distillation flask.
Step 3: Cleaning and Storage
1. Storage of Pure Toluene:
Store collected pure toluene in a dry and airtight glass bottle. If necessary, it can be stored in an environment filled with nitrogen gas.
2. Equipment Cleaning:
Clean and dry all used equipment with suitable solvents.
Points to Consider:
Safety: Avoid open flames as toluene is a flammable substance. Minimize inhalation exposure by using a fume hood during operation.
Correct temperature control: Heating too quickly can lead to both loss of efficiency and hazards.
With this method you can distill 96% pure toluene to 99% purity or higher.
Necessary Materials:
1. Distillation apparatus:
Heater (heating mantle or water bath)
Distillation flask
Thermometer
Cooler (Liebig or spiral cooler)
Collection container
Support bars and clamps
2. Chemicals and Safety Materials:
96% purity toluene
Anhydrous magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate (to reduce water content)
Protective goggles, lab coat, nitrile gloves
A well-ventilated area or fume hood
Step 1: Preliminary Preparation
1. Moisture removal:
Toluene may contain some moisture. You can remove moisture by mixing toluene with anhydrous magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate for a while. Then filter the chemical.
2. Assembling the apparatus:
Connect the distillation flask, cooler, thermometer and collection vessel correctly.
Carefully transfer the toluene into the distillation flask. The balloon should be no more than two-thirds full.
Step 2: Distillation
1. Heating:
Heat toluene slowly. The boiling point of toluene is between 110-111°C.
When this temperature range is reached on the thermometer, you will see the toluene begin to vaporize.
2. Vapor Condensation:
As the toluene vapor passes through the cooler, it condenses and flows into the collection vessel in liquid form.
3. Collection of the Pure Fraction:
First, impurities with a low boiling point, the so-called "pre-fraction", can be collected (usually liquids arriving at a temperature lower than 110°C).
Then, pure toluene in the 110-111°C range is collected.
Finally, the residue with a high boiling point remains in the distillation flask.
Step 3: Cleaning and Storage
1. Storage of Pure Toluene:
Store collected pure toluene in a dry and airtight glass bottle. If necessary, it can be stored in an environment filled with nitrogen gas.
2. Equipment Cleaning:
Clean and dry all used equipment with suitable solvents.
Points to Consider:
Safety: Avoid open flames as toluene is a flammable substance. Minimize inhalation exposure by using a fume hood during operation.
Correct temperature control: Heating too quickly can lead to both loss of efficiency and hazards.
With this method you can distill 96% pure toluene to 99% purity or higher.
