Question

The mixture that forma maximum boiling azeotrope is :

• A. Water +Nitric acid
• B. Ethanol+ Water
• C. Acetone + Carbon disulphide
• D. Heptane + Octane

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To understand which mixture forms a maximum boiling azeotrope, let's first review the concept of azeotropes:

• Azeotrope: An azeotrope is a mixture of two or more liquids that maintains a constant boiling point and composition throughout distillation. This occurs due to the specific intermolecular interactions within the mixture.
• Maximum Boiling Azeotrope: These azeotropes occur when the boiling point of the mixture is higher than that of any of its components. This results from particularly strong attractive forces between the components.

Now, let's evaluate each option:

• Water + Nitric acid: This mixture forms a maximum boiling azeotrope. When mixed, water and nitric acid create strong hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions, leading to a higher boiling point than either pure component.
• Ethanol + Water: This mixture forms a minimum boiling azeotrope, as the boiling point of the mixture is lower than either pure ethanol or water.
• Acetone + Carbon disulphide: This mixture does not form an azeotrope, and their boiling behavior does not show maximum boiling characteristics.
• Heptane + Octane: These components are non-polar hydrocarbons that do not typically form azeotropes due to a lack of significant intermolecular forces beyond van der Waals forces.

Thus, the mixture that forms a maximum boiling azeotrope is Water + Nitric acid.

This azeotropic behavior is characterized by its constant boiling point at a particular composition, where the mixture has stronger interactions compared to its individual components.