When rectified spirit and benzene are distilled togther, the first fraction obtained is

Options

A. A ternary azeotrope
B. Absolute alcohol
C. A binary azeotrope
D. Denatured spirit

Answer

To solve the question regarding the distillation of rectified spirit and benzene, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Components
Rectified spirit is a solution of ethanol and water, while benzene is a non-polar organic solvent. When these two are mixed and distilled, we need to consider the interactions between the components.

**Hint:** Identify the components in the mixture and their properties.

### Step 2: Azeotropic Behavior
When rectified spirit (which contains ethanol and water) is mixed with benzene, they can form an azeotrope. An azeotrope is a mixture of two or more liquids that has a constant boiling point and composition throughout distillation.

**Hint:** Recall the definition of an azeotrope and its significance in distillation.

### Step 3: Determine the Type of Azeotrope
In this case, the mixture of rectified spirit and benzene can form a ternary azeotrope that includes ethanol, water, and benzene. The boiling point of this azeotrope is lower than that of pure ethanol or benzene.

**Hint:** Consider the boiling points of the individual components and how they interact to form a new boiling point.

### Step 4: Identify the First Fraction
During the distillation process, the first fraction that comes off will be this ternary azeotrope, which has a specific boiling point of approximately 331.8 K. This indicates that the first fraction obtained when distilling rectified spirit and benzene together is indeed a ternary azeotrope.

**Hint:** Remember that the first fraction in distillation is usually the component with the lowest boiling point.

### Conclusion
Thus, the first fraction obtained when rectified spirit and benzene are distilled together is a ternary azeotrope.

**Final Answer:** A ternary azeotrope.