steam distillation

Question

Steam distillation is used for purification of:

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**Steam Distillation** is a technique used for substances that are **steam volatile** and **immiscible with water**.
- **Mechanism**: The mixture (water + substance) boils when the sum of their individual vapor pressures ($P = P_{water} + P_{compound}$) equals the atmospheric pressure. 
- **Advantage**: Since $P$ reaches atmospheric pressure before $P_{water}$ does (i.e., before $100^\circ C$), the substance distills at a temperature lower than its normal boiling point. This prevents the thermal decomposition of **heat-sensitive** compounds like **Aniline** or **Essential oils**.

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More steam distillation Practice Questions

Steam distillation is suitable for substances that: