Separation and Purification of Organic Compounds

Grade 12 · Chemistry

Semester 1 | Period 1 | Week 2

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Subject: Chemistry

Semester: 1

Period: 1

Week: 2


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Chemistry
Grade Level: Grade 12
Week & Period: Week 2, Period I
Date:

Topic: Separation and Purification of Organic Compounds

Subtopics:
a. Distillation
b. Crystallization
c. Chromatography
d. Filtration
e. Sublimation

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

  1. List and describe methods for separating organic mixtures.
  2. Demonstrate how each method is used and state the types of compounds for which they are applicable.
  3. Differentiate between physical and chemical means of purification.

Previous Knowledge:
Learners have encountered basic laboratory separation techniques in general chemistry.

Instructional Materials:

  • Distillation setup
  • Chromatography paper and solvent
  • Samples for crystallization and sublimation
  • Visual aids and charts

Anticipation (Warm-Up) – 5 minutes
Pose a question: “How can we separate a mixture of salt and sand? Or ink pigments?” This leads into discussion of methods of separation and purification.

Building Knowledge (Main Lesson) – 25 minutes

  1. Explain physical properties used in separation: boiling point, solubility, vapor pressure.
  2. Describe each method:
    • Distillation: Separation based on boiling point differences. Useful for liquid-liquid mixtures (e.g., ethanol and water).
    • Crystallization: Formation of pure crystals from a saturated solution by cooling or evaporation.
    • Chromatography: Separation based on differential solubility and capillary action.
    • Filtration: Mechanical separation of solid-liquid mixtures.
    • Sublimation: Separation where a substance passes directly from solid to gas (e.g., iodine or naphthalene).
  3. Discuss advantages, limitations, and real-world examples.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Watch or participate in demonstration of distillation or chromatography.
  • Interpret chromatograms from sample experiments.
  • Group presentation of one separation method.

Consolidation (Review and Assessment) – 10 minutes

  • Quiz: Match method to application.
  • Exit question: Why is chromatography useful in forensic science?

Homework / Assignment:

  • Draw diagrams showing how distillation and chromatography are set up.
  • Research and report on an industrial use of any one purification technique.

Notes – Detailed and Explained

  • Distillation involves heating a liquid to produce vapor and then condensing that vapor to collect the purified liquid.
  • Crystallization is ideal for purifying solids, especially from solutions. Cooling reduces solubility and allows crystals to form.
  • Chromatography separates based on movement of components on a stationary phase, great for separating dyes and inks.
  • Filtration is ideal for mixtures where solids do not dissolve in liquids.
  • Sublimation works only for solids that vaporize without melting.

Expanded Notes / Instructions:

  • Include safety tips for using heat and solvents.
  • Emphasize the principles behind why each method works.
  • Allow learners to compare the suitability of each method for given mixtures.

Inclusive / Differentiation:

  • Assign mixed-ability groups for presentations.
  • Provide printed summaries for those needing support.
  • Use video resources for learners who benefit from audio-visual aids.

Teacher’s Reflection (Post-Lesson Questions):

  • Were learners able to match techniques to scenarios?
  • Did the demonstrations aid understanding?
  • Which methods should be revised again with more depth?