What is the Difference Between Steam Distillation and Fractional Distillation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Steam distillation and fractional distillation are both techniques used to separate components in a mixture. The main differences between them are:
- Heat Sensitivity: Steam distillation is used to separate heat-sensitive components, while fractional distillation is used for components that can withstand higher temperatures.
- Temperature Gradient: Steam distillation requires bringing the solution to the boiling point of the most volatile component, whereas fractional distillation requires a gradient of temperatures to separate out compounds.
- Steam or Water Use: In steam distillation, steam (or water) is used in the distilling flask along with the mixture to be separated. In fractional distillation, a fractionating column is inserted between the distilling flask and the adapter to create a temperature gradient and separate the components.
- External Pressure Reduction: In steam distillation, the boiling point is lowered by reducing the external pressure, making it possible to distill heavier molecules without their decomposition. In fractional distillation, no external pressure reduction is needed.
- Distillation Efficiency: Steam distillation is less efficient than fractional distillation in terms of the number of distillations required to achieve a high level of purity.
In summary, steam distillation is more suitable for heat-sensitive mixtures that require lower temperatures for separation, while fractional distillation is appropriate for components that can withstand higher temperatures.
Comparative Table: Steam Distillation vs Fractional Distillation
Here is a table comparing steam distillation and fractional distillation:
| Feature | Steam Distillation | Fractional Distillation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Steam distillation is a process used to separate heat-sensitive components in a mixture. | Fractional distillation is the process used to separate hydrocarbon components in crude oil. |
| Technique | Distillation followed by condensation. | Repeated distillations and condensations. |
| Working Principle | Vaporizes chemical components at temperatures below their boiling point. | Vaporizes chemical components at their boiling point. |
| Major Use | Separates components that are heat-sensitive. | Separates different hydrocarbon fractions in crude oil. |
| Number of Distillation Steps | One distillation step. | Repeated distillations. |
The main difference between steam distillation and fractional distillation is the method used to separate the components in a mixture. Steam distillation is used for heat-sensitive components, while fractional distillation is used for separating hydrocarbon components in crude oil. Steam distillation involves only one distillation step, whereas fractional distillation requires repeated distillations.
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