Q&A for How to Separate Alcohol and Water

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Which water works best for the distillation of alcohol?

Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific Researcher
Meredith Juncker is a scientific researcher based in Brookline, Massachusetts. Currently working as a Senior Patent Technology Specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Meredith is able to leverage her expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology. She received a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, focusing on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. She went on to work as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Meredith Juncker, PhD

Scientific Researcher

Expert Answer

You would want to use the purest water you can find (i.e. not tap water) as impurities can alter the boiling point of a liquid.

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What is the method of separating alcohol and water called?

Community Answer

Distillation is the process of removing water and another chemical. Therefore, the method of separating water and alcohol (a chemical) is called "distillation."

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What is one precaution that should be taken during the separation of alcohol and water?

Community Answer

You would have to boil the mixture, so that the water evaporates but the alcohol doesn't. Precautions need to be taken around the boiling liquid and the heat source to protect your hands, face, etc.

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Can I remove the alcohol content of homemade vodka without affecting the taste too much?

Community Answer

Home distillation may or may not be legal in your country. Also, if not done correctly, you can have higher methanol contents in your beverage.

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