Distillationa

Distillationa is not a standard term in chemistry. This article describes distillation, the established process of separating components of a liquid mixture by boiling points.

Distillation is a physical separation method that relies on differences in boiling points. When a mixture is heated, the more volatile components vaporize at lower temperatures; the vapors are then cooled and condensed to form a liquid distillate. In multi-component systems, repeated vaporization and condensation, or the use of specialized equipment, improve separation.

Common forms include simple distillation, fractional distillation, steam distillation, and vacuum distillation. Equipment typically includes a heat source, a vessel to hold the mixture, a distillation column or packing, a condenser, and a receiver. The choice of method depends on boiling point differences and the chemical nature of the components.

Applications cover purification of chemicals and solvents, production of alcoholic beverages, extraction of essential oils, and petroleum refining where crude oil is separated into fractions such as naphtha, kerosene, and diesel.

History: Distillation has ancient roots in early chemistry and alchemy, with devices described in antiquity and later refined in the medieval Islamic world. The development of continuous fractionating columns in the 19th century greatly expanded industrial use.

Safety and environmental considerations: Distillation involves heat and potentially hazardous substances; proper equipment, ventilation, and procedures are required to prevent fires, pressure hazards, and exposure to toxic vapors.