To separate water from aqueous copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4), a process called "simple distillation" can be used. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it can be done:
Set up the distillation apparatus: You will need a distillation flask, a condenser, a receiver (collecting flask), and a heat source such as a Bunsen burner or a hot plate. Connect the distillation flask to the condenser using a rubber or glass tubing.
Pour the aqueous copper(II) sulfate solution into the distillation flask: Make sure the solution fills the flask to an appropriate level, usually not exceeding two-thirds of the flask's capacity.
Heat the solution: Apply gentle heat to the distillation flask using the heat source. The goal is to heat the solution to its boiling point, causing the water to vaporize.
Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it enters the condenser, which is typically a coiled tube cooled by running water. The water vapor is cooled and condenses back into liquid form.
Collection: The condensed water drips down from the condenser and collects in the receiver flask. This is the separated water from the original copper(II) sulfate solution.
Continue heating and collecting: Keep heating the solution in the distillation flask until most of the water has been separated and collected. The remaining liquid in the flask will be more concentrated with copper(II) sulfate.
It's important to note that simple distillation is effective for separating water from substances that have significantly different boiling points. In this case, water has a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), while copper(II) sulfate does not readily vaporize at that temperature. Therefore, the water vaporizes, leaving behind the copper(II) sulfate in the distillation flask.
After the distillation process, the separated water can be further purified if desired by using additional purification techniques like filtration or deionization, depending on the desired level of purity.