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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Levigation and Trituration?

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The main difference between levigation and trituration lies in their purposes and the conditions under which they are performed. Here are the key differences:

  • Levigation:
  1. Involves decreasing the particle size of powders by triturating them with a mortar and pestle in the presence of a liquid.
  2. The liquid used for levigation is called a "levigating agent" or "wetting agent".
  3. Levigation is a wet grinding process.
  • Trituration:
  1. Involves purifying crude chemical compounds consisting of soluble substances.
  2. Trituration is a dry grinding process, involving the continuous rubbing or grinding of substances.

In summary, levigation is a wet grinding process used to reduce the particle size of powders, while trituration is a dry grinding process used for purifying crude chemical compounds.

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  • What is the Difference Between Levigation and Trituration?
  • Comparative Table: Levigation vs Trituration

    • Comparative Table: Levigation vs Trituration

    The main difference between levigation and trituration lies in the grinding process and the use of a liquid medium. Here is a table comparing the two methods:

    Feature Levigation Trituration
    Grinding Process Wet grinding Dry grinding
    Liquid Medium Uses a liquid medium (levigating agent) No liquid medium
    Purpose Reducing particle size and separating finer particles from coarser ones Reducing particle size to enhance surface area for reactions or create a homogeneous mixture
    Technique Mixing or triturating a powder with a liquid to displace the film of air on the surface of dry powders Grinding substances into fine particles using a mortar and pestle
    Applications Used in pharmacy and pottery to reduce substances to a fine powder Important in homeopathy for preparing potentized medicines and ensuring drugs are easily soluble
    Alternative Name Wet Grinding Dry Grinding
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.