Distillation

• Simple distillation is used to separate out solutions
• Simple distillation step by step

  1. Pour sample into the distillation flask
  2. Gradually heat the distillation flask
  3. The part of the solution with the lowest BP will evaporate first
  4. This substance will pass through the condenser as a gas, before turning back to liquid at its collection point
  5. Eventually all your sample will be separated

  
• Fractional distillation separates mixtures with similar boiling points
• Fractional Distillation is used to separate a mixture of liquids

  1. Pour your mixture into a flask
  2. Gradually heat your flask, until your different liquids begin to evaporate at different temperatures
  3. The liquid with the lowest BP will evaporate first, and reach the cooler part of the column first, before condenses into its collection point
  4. Liquids with higher BP may also start to evaporate, however the column is cooler at the top, and so these liquids may not reach the top before condensing and going back to the flask
  5. When the first liquid has been collected, raise the temperature for the others
• Fractional distillation step by step

  1. Pour your mixture into a flask
  2. Gradually heat your flask, until your different liquids begin to evaporate at different temperatures
  3. The liquid with the lowest BP will evaporate first, and reach the cooler part of the column first, before condenses into its collection point
  4. Liquids with higher BP may also start to evaporate, however the column is cooler at the top, and so these liquids may not reach the top before condensing and going back to the flask
  5. When the first liquid has been collected, raise the temperature for the others