purifikation

Purifikation, the German term for purification, denotes the process of removing impurities to obtain a substance of higher purity. In scientific use, it describes methods to separate a desired compound from a mixture. The term is often interchangeable with Reinigung, though Purifikation is favored in chemistry and biochemistry for multi-step or methodological purification. Etymologically, it derives from Latin purificatio and was borrowed into German via early modern scientific usage, often aligned with the English word purification.

In chemistry and biochemistry, Purifikation employs techniques such as distillation, crystallization, chromatography (including gas, liquid, and affinity chromatography), solvent extraction, and membrane filtration. Purification is typically followed by analysis to assess purity, using melting point, elemental analysis, NMR, HPLC, or mass spectrometry. The goal may be to obtain a pure compound, a homogeneous protein preparation, or a contaminant-free nucleic acid.

Purifikation also describes processes for purifying water and air in environmental and industrial contexts, including filtration, activated carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis, and disinfection. Pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on purification to remove solvents and by-products and to ensure safety and efficacy.

In religious or ceremonial contexts, purification can refer to rites intended to restore ceremonial cleanliness or spiritual purity in various traditions.