Distillation (source code)

= Distillation
{wiki}

Distillation separates a <mixture> by producing <vapor> from a <liquid> and collecting the condensed <liquid>, called the distillate. The more volatile component can have a higher <mole fraction> in the <vapor>. <Simple distillation> collects this condensate directly; <fractional distillation> adds repeated contact in a <fractionating column>.<Chem2O06 Laboratory Manual by McMaster University/Distillation introduction>[Chem2O06 Laboratory Manual by McMaster University; General Principles; A Mixture of Ideal Liquids; Fractional Distillation]{ref}

Two questions must be kept separate. <Vapor-liquid equilibrium> describes which compositions can coexist. A <distillation material balance> accounts for how much of each component leaves in each product. A product can be enriched without containing all the original component, and even a feasible <distillation material balance> does not establish that an apparatus can make those products.

\Image[/distillation-pot-column-and-condenser.png]
{title=<Distillation> connects a heated pot, a <fractionating column>, a <thermometer>, a <laboratory condenser>, and a receiver}
{id=image-distillation-pot-column-and-condenser}
{description=Original schematic, not a scale drawing. Bulb position and mantle support follow the <paired simple and fractional distillation experiment>; blue marks the cooling jacket.}