What is Distillation?
Distillation is the process of separating components of a mixture based on different boiling points. However, the difference in their boiling points must be substantial.
For example, a mixture of acetone and water can be separated using distillation, as the boiling point of acetone is 65∘ C and that of water is 100∘ C.
Distillation apparatus
The distillation apparatus has three distinct parts:
Distillation apparatus
- A distillation flask which is held by a clamp. It is placed on a stand and the flask is fitted with a
- A tube that passes through a condenser and is tilted
- A beaker into which the end of the tube opens
How does the distillation apparatus work?
A mixture of two miscible liquids is placed in the distillation flask and heated. The liquid with the lower boiling vaporises first. This vaporised liquid passes through the tube in the condenser.
Role of the condenser in distillation
The condenser has two openings on opposite sides. At one end, cold water enters and it exits from the other end. This water condenses the vapours in the tube. This condensed liquid is collected in the beaker, while the other liquid remains in the flask.
For example, when a mixture of acetone and water is heated, acetone which has a lower boiling point vaporises first. It condenses in the tube due to the codenser. The liquid collected in the beaker is pure acetone. The liquid collected in the flask is water which is the second component of the mixture.
