A simple distillation set up, using jointed glassware

A staple of the chemistry curriculum, this makes a great demonstration of a separating technique for two liquids (distillation).

• Common mixtures to use in the round bottom flask are: cola; 50% ethanol with food colour added; ink in water.

• Gentle heating of the mixture will allow the liquid with the lower boiling point to evaporate from the flask, which is immediately captured and condensed in the Liebig condenser (a glass jacketed tube allowing water to cool the contents of the tube). The liquid is then able to drip into the beaker via the receiver, leaving the higher boiling point liquid in the round bottom flask.

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