Question

Rectified spirit is:
A. $50\%$ ethanol.
B. $80\%$ ethanol.
C. $95\%$ ethanol.
D. $100\%$ ethanol.

Answer 1

As we know that a rectified spirit is created when the base product is distilled using a rectifying still A rectified spirit is highly concentrated ethanol which has been purified by means of repeated distillation, a process that is called rectification.

Complete step by step answer:
- It typically contains $95\%$ alcohol. Rectified spirits used in mixed drinks, in the production liqueurs, for medicinal purposes, and as a household solvent.
- To attain a pure form of absolute alcohol, one separation step is required, so that the water content in the rectified spirit is removed completely.
- Based on the chemical nature of ethanol and water, their concentration in the liquid mixture does not alter when heated to its boiling points. Whatever the composition present in the liquid mixture is equal to the concentration of the component in the vapor obtained from the ethanol and water liquid mixture when heated to its boiling condition. The solution is called Azeotropic mixture.

Hence option (C) is correct.

Note:
A rectified spirit is one which has been adjusted to a set proof, usually with deionized water. Rectified spirit not be converted into absolute alcohol by simple distillation because by design and careful choice of denaturing agent this is very difficult. A common agent used in the spirits in the laboratories is butanone.