Distillation Process

Overview of Distillation

• Distillation is a method used to separate mixtures based on differences in their volatilities in a boiling liquid mixture.

Key Steps in Performing a Distillation

1. Preparation of the Condenser

   • Fill the condenser with cold running water to ensure efficient cooling of vapors.

2. Heating the Mixture

   • Apply heat to the mixture intended for distillation.
   • Continue heating until the mixture boils.

3. Vaporization and Temperature Measurement

   • Hot vapors travel up to the distillation head.
   • Measure the temperature of the vapors to:
     • Identify the liquid being distilled.
     • Confirm the purity of the liquid.
   • Pure vapors exhibit a constant temperature, equal to the boiling point of the liquid.

4. Condensation

   • Vapors enter the condenser where they are cooled.
   • Cooling causes the vapors to liquify.

5. Collection of Distillate

   • The liquefied droplets, known as distillate, run down the condenser.
   • Distillate is collected in a receiving flask.

Simple Distillation Apparatus

• Utilized for separating a liquid from nonvolatile contaminants.
• Nonvolatile components in the distillation flask remain un-evaporated.
• The vapors and resulting condensate are pure due to the absence of nonvolatile components.