Tyhjiödistillaatio

Tyhjiödistillaatio, also known as vacuum distillation, is a distillation process that occurs at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. This reduction in pressure significantly lowers the boiling point of a liquid. The primary purpose of vacuum distillation is to distill compounds that are temperature-sensitive, meaning they would decompose or undergo unwanted chemical reactions at their normal boiling points under atmospheric pressure. By reducing the pressure, the liquid can be vaporized and condensed at a much lower temperature, preserving its integrity.

This technique is widely used in various industries. In the petrochemical industry, it is employed to separate high-boiling point hydrocarbons from crude oil, such as lubricating oils and waxes, which would otherwise require excessively high temperatures. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes vacuum distillation for purifying heat-sensitive drug compounds and intermediates. It is also applied in the food industry for extracting volatile flavor and aroma compounds from sensitive materials without degrading them. Furthermore, in laboratories, vacuum distillation is a standard method for purifying organic compounds that have high boiling points or are thermally unstable. The apparatus typically involves a distillation flask, a condenser, a vacuum source (like a vacuum pump), and a receiving flask, all connected to maintain a sealed, low-pressure environment.