Separation of Glycerol and Azeotropic Mixtures Methods

To evaluate the correctness of the given statements, we analyze each statement based on the principles of purification and separation techniques in chemistry:

1. Analysis of Statement (I):

   • $1,2,3\text{-Trihydroxypropane}$ is commonly known as glycerol ($\text{CH}_2\text{OH-CHOH-CH}_2\text{OH}$).
   • Glycerol has a very high normal boiling point ($\approx 290^\circ\text{C}$) and tends to decompose at or near its boiling point.
   • Simple distillation is used for liquids that boil without decomposition at atmospheric pressure and have a sufficient difference in boiling points.
   • Because glycerol decomposes before reaching its boiling point at normal pressure, it cannot be separated by simple distillation. Instead, it is purified/separated using distillation under reduced pressure (vacuum distillation).
   • Therefore, Statement (I) is false.

2. Analysis of Statement (II):

   • An azeotropic mixture (or constant boiling mixture) is a solution of two or more liquids whose proportion cannot be altered or changed by simple distillation because the vapor produced by boiling the mixture has the same composition as the liquid.
   • Since the mole fraction of each component in the liquid phase equals that in the vapor phase at the azeotropic composition, separation by fractional distillation is impossible.
   • Therefore, Statement (II) is true.

Thus, Statement I is false but Statement II is true, which corresponds to option D.