The Distillation of Ethanol from 20ml Gin Through Simple and Fractional Distillation

The Distillation of Ethanol from 20mL Gin through Simple and Fractional Distillation

*Villafuerte, Arman Joseph F.

Villaseñor, Jose Manuel J.

Wahab, Dana Trisha N.

Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas

Abstract

        The experiment aims to separate and calculate in percentage the ethanol content of Gin by simple and fractional distillation, and to compare the efficiency of simple and fractional distillation. The Gin was put in distilling flasks with boiling chips, and have undergone either simple or fractional distillation. Results of fractional distillation shows that the first test tube was filled at 69°C and the last test tube was filled at 93.7°C. It also displays that the samples were flammable up to the 14th sample. Results of simple distillation shows that the first test tube was filled at 78.0°C, and the last test tube was filled at 99.4°C. It also displays that the samples were flammable up to the 14th sample.

Introduction

        Distillation is a process in which the liquid is vaporized, condensed, and collected in a receiver. It is used to purify liquids and to separate one liquid from another. Distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to its boiling point, where liquid is rapidly converted to vapor. The vapors, richer in the more volatile component, are then condensed into a separate container. When the components in the mixture have sufficiently different vapor pressures, they can be separated by distillation. Distillation applications range widely from the separation of bulk petrochemicals like propylene/propane ad ethylbenzene/styrene to the cryogenic separation of air into nitrogen and oxygen.

        Simple, also called nonfractional, distillation is used on samples essentially containing one volatile component to purify the liquid.

Fractional distillation is employed when the separation of two or more volatile components is required. It is used when components to be separated boil within 25°C of each other. Each component is called a fraction.

        Ethanol, also commonly called ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol is the principal type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts. It can cause alcohol intoxication when consumed in sufficient quantity. Ethanol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a slight chemical odor. It is used as an antiseptic, a solvent, a fuel, and, due to its low freezing point, the active fluid in post-mercury thermometers. The molecule is a simple one, being an ethyl group linked to a hydroxyl group. Its structural formula, CH3CH2OH, is often abbreviated as C2H5OH, C2H6O or EtOH. Ethanol has a boiling point of 78.37°C.

        Gin is an alcoholic beverage which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries (Juniperus communis). Gin is one of the broadest categories of spirits, represented by products of various origins, styles, and flavour profiles that all revolve around juniper as a common ingredient.

Distillation is a process used to purify liquids and to separate one liquid from another. Residue is the liquid that has not vaporized. Distillate is the distilled liquid, or the resultant liquid, or the condensed vapor.

This experiment aims to separate and calculate in percentage the ethanol content of Gin by simple and fractional distillation, and to compare the efficiency of simple and fractional distillation.

Methodology

In both distillation methods, 20 mL Gin was put in the distilling flask with boiling chips. The setups were assembled and the joints were greased. The flask was heated with a Bunsen flame that was constantly rotated around the flask.

The temperature of the first drop of distillate was recorded. The distillate was collected using test tubes. For every 0.5 mL distillate collected, the test tubes were replaced. For every 0.5 mL distillate collected, the temperature was also recorded. This process was repeated until the temperature while collecting the distillate was 95 °C and was constant for 3 test tubes. The residue of the 20 mL Gin was also measured and recorded

        Every test tube of distillate underwent the flammability test. The distillate present in each test tube was transferred to a watch glass and was set on fire. When the distillate was burning, it was classified as flammable, and if not, it was classified as non-flammable. The results were recorded.

Results and Discussion

Table No.1 Results of Fractional Distillation