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Chemistry Question 63 – JEE-MAIN 2026

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Given below are two statements : Statement (I) : 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane can be separated from water by simple distillation. Statement (II) : An azeotropic mixture cannot be separated by fractional distillation. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Consider the boiling points and thermal stability of the components for simple distillation.

Step 1: Analyze Statement I: Separation of 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane from water✦ Active

1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane, commonly known as glycerol, has a boiling point of approximately 290∘C at atmospheric pressure. Water boils at 100∘C. While there is a large difference in boiling points, glycerol decomposes at or below its boiling point under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, simple distillation is not suitable for separating glycerol from water; vacuum distillation (distillation under reduced pressure) is typically used to lower the boiling point and prevent decomposition. Thus, Statement I is false.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II: Separation of an azeotropic mixture by fractional distillation○ Expand

An azeotropic mixture (azeotrope) is a mixture of two or more liquids that boils at a constant temperature and whose vapor has the same composition as the liquid. Fractional distillation works by separating components based on differences in their boiling points and the resulting differences in vapor composition from the liquid phase. Since the liquid and vapor compositions of an azeotrope are identical at its boiling point, fractional distillation cannot achieve further separation of its components. Thus, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Conclusion○ Expand

Based on the analysis, Statement I is false and Statement II is true. This corresponds to option 4.

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