How do you separate a mixture of iron fillings and sulphur powder by use of methylbenzene
I assume methyl benzene will dissolve sulfur. Dissolve, filter and the iron filings stay in the filter paper. Let the filtrate sit and the solvent evaporates leaving the S behind.
Due to solubity of sulphur according to IUPAC it dissolves methylbenzene forming two substances therefore filter and evaporate the solvent to obtain sulphur
To separate a mixture of iron filings and sulfur powder using methylbenzene, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain the mixture: Start by ensuring that you have a mixture of iron filings and sulfur powder.
2. Add methylbenzene: Pour some methylbenzene into the mixture. Make sure to add enough to fully cover the mixture.
3. Stir the mixture: Use a stirring rod or any other suitable tool to thoroughly mix the contents of the beaker. This helps in dissolving the sulfur powder into the methylbenzene.
4. Let it settle: Allow the mixture to rest undisturbed for some time. As the mixture settles, the iron filings will settle to the bottom due to their higher density, while the sulfur powder will remain dissolved in the methylbenzene.
5. Decant or filter: Carefully pour or decant the clear methylbenzene solution into another container, leaving the iron filings behind in the original beaker. Alternatively, you can use a filter paper or funnel to separate the iron filings from the methylbenzene solution. The iron filings will be retained on the filter paper, while the solution passes through.
6. Evaporate the methylbenzene: If you want to recover the sulfur powder, you can evaporate the methylbenzene from the solution. Place the container holding the methylbenzene solution in a well-ventilated area or under gentle heat to allow the methylbenzene to evaporate. Eventually, you will be left with the separated sulfur powder.
Note: Methylbenzene (also known as toluene) is a flammable substance, so it is important to take appropriate safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area when handling it.
To separate a mixture of iron filings and sulfur powder using methylbenzene, you can take advantage of the difference in solubility between these two substances.
Here's a step-by-step process to separate the mixture:
1. Add methylbenzene to the mixture: First, place the mixture of iron filings and sulfur powder in a container. Then, pour enough methylbenzene into the container to fully immerse the mixture. Methylbenzene, also known as toluene, is a common organic solvent that can dissolve sulfur but not iron.
2. Stir the mixture: Gently stir the mixture using a glass rod for a few minutes. This helps to dissolve the sulfur particles in the methylbenzene, leaving the iron filings behind as they are insoluble.
3. Filter the mixture: Set up a filtration apparatus consisting of a funnel and a filter paper. Place a beaker or flask underneath to collect the filtrate. Pour the mixture through the filter paper, which will capture the undissolved iron filings while allowing the methylbenzene and dissolved sulfur to pass through. This process is called filtration.
4. Collect the residue: After filtration, the solid on the filter paper is the iron filings. You can carefully scrape the iron filings from the filter paper and collect them in a separate container.
5. Separate the solvent: The liquid that passed through the filter paper contains the methylbenzene and dissolved sulfur. To recover the methylbenzene, you can use a process called evaporation. Pour the filtrate into a shallow dish or evaporating dish and allow it to slowly evaporate at room temperature. As the methylbenzene evaporates, the sulfur will start to re-crystallize or solidify.
6. Collect the separated sulfur: Once all the methylbenzene has evaporated, you will be left with the separated sulfur in the dish. You can carefully collect the sulfur using a spatula or any suitable tool.
Now, you have successfully separated the iron filings and sulfur powder using methylbenzene.