Question

What type of azeotrope will be formed by a solution of benzene and chloroform? Give reason.

Hint:

Negative deviation → Maximum boiling azeotrope. Positive deviation → Minimum boiling azeotrope.

Answer 1

Benzene and chloroform form a
maximum boiling azeotrope.
Reason:

• There is strong intermolecular attraction due to hydrogen bonding between: \[ C_6H_6 \cdots H{-}CCl_3 \]
• The mixture shows a negative deviation from Raoult’s law.
• This results in lower vapor pressure, which leads to a higher boiling point.

Answer:
The maximum boiling azeotrope is formed due to strong intermolecular interactions and a negative deviation from Raoult's law.