I recently came across with an unsolved problem from the past, about phase equilibrium. Here is part of the question.
After the fractional distillation of a 50% water, 50% ethanol mixture, an azeotropic mixture (95.6% ethanol) is obtained from the distillate.
1.  Since the distillate is not pure, it is suggested that the mixture is to be "salted out", dried and then redistillated. What is the meaning of "salting out"?
2.  The drying agent used in (1) should NOT be CaCl₂. Why? What should be used instead?
3.  Absolute ethanol may be obtained by adding a metal to the distillate. Which metal may be used? Explain. Can we use Na to remove the last traces of water? Explain.

Here are my thoughs:
1.  Adding conc. H₂SO₄?? Making precipitate??
2.  CaCl₂ may react with ?? to form complex?? CaO+Ca(OH)₂ should be used.
3.  Sodium?? But sodium + ethanol --> soluble alkaoxide ion + H₂!!!!

I'm sure most of my thoughs are wrong.
Please help me!!!!!!!!!!!!