Simple Distillation

Principle of Simple Distillation:

• Simple distillation separates components of a mixture based on differences in their boiling points, typically when the boiling points differ significantly (more than 25°C).

Methodology:

1. Setup: Consists of a distillation flask, a heat source, a condenser, and a receiving flask.

2. Heating: The mixture is heated in the distillation flask.

3. Vaporization: The component with the lower boiling point vaporizes first.

4. Condensation: The vapor passes through the condenser, where it cools and condenses back into a liquid.

5. Collection: The condensed liquid (distillate) is collected in the receiving flask.

Uses:

• Purification of solvents.

• Separation of volatile components from non-volatile impurities.

• Distillation of water.

Merits:

• Simple and straightforward setup.

• Cost-effective for small-scale operations.

• Suitable for separating mixtures with significantly different boiling points.

Demerits:

• Inefficient for mixtures with close boiling points.

• Limited to batch processes.

• Not suitable for heat-sensitive materials that decompose at high temperatures.