Which of the following processes is most suitable for separating liquids of different boiling points?

Fractional distillation is the most suitable method for separating liquids with different boiling points, particularly when these boiling points are close to each other. This process involves heating the mixture to create vapors, which then travel up a fractionating column. As the vapor ascends, it cools and condenses at different heights in the column based on their boiling points, allowing for more effective separation. Each component can then be collected in its own container as it cools back into a liquid.

This technique is particularly advantageous for mixtures with boiling points that are less than about 25 degrees Celsius apart, where other methods might not effectively separate the components. Fractional distillation takes advantage of the differences in boiling points more efficiently than simple distillation, which is typically used when the boiling points of the liquids being separated are significantly different. As a result, fractional distillation achieves a higher purity of each liquid in the mixture.