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JAMB Chemistry 2012 Question 2

Question 2

Separation of Mixtures

Which of the following methods can be used to obtain pure water from a mixture of sand, water and methanoic acid?

  1. A.Neutralization with NaOH followed by filtration
  2. B.Neutralization with NaOH followed by distillation
  3. C.Fractional distillation
  4. D.Filtration followed by distillation.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Neutralization with NaOH followed by distillation)

Explanation

Methanoic acid boils at almost the same temperature as water, so it would distil over with it. Neutralising turns it into non-volatile sodium methanoate; distillation then leaves the salt and sand behind and gives pure water.