A process engineer uses a pilot fractionating column to separate a vapour mixture containing alkanes R and S. The vapour enters below tray 1 and rises through trays 1, 2 and 3, in that order.

The table shows the current temperature of each tray.

Tray	Temperature ( $∘C^\circ\mathrm{C}$ )
3	95
2	140
1	180

Alkane	Boiling point ( $∘C^\circ\mathrm{C}$ )
R	126
S	151

The engineer proposes lowering the temperature of tray 2 to $∘C120\,^\circ\mathrm{C}$ , while leaving the other tray temperatures unchanged. The engineer claims that this change will improve the separation of R and S.

Evaluate the engineer's claim.

A process engineer uses a pilot fractionating column to separate a vapour mixture containing alkanes R and S. The vapour enters below tray 1 and rises through trays 1, 2 and 3, in that order.

The table shows the current temperature of each tray.

Tray	Temperature ( $∘C^\circ\mathrm{C}$ )
3	95
2	140
1	180

Alkane	Boiling point ( $∘C^\circ\mathrm{C}$ )
R	126
S	151

Evaluate the engineer's claim.

6.2 Organic chemistry

Question 37

Markscheme

6.2 Organic chemistry

Question 37

Markscheme

6.2 Organic chemistry

Question 37

6.2 Organic chemistry Questions

6.2 Organic chemistry

Question 37

6.2 Organic chemistry Questions