Applications of Fractional Distillation

Fractional distillation can be used to separate the mixtures like:

  • Acetone and water
  • Chloroform and benzene
  • Separation of gases in the air

Fractional Distillation

Fractional Distillation is a technique used in the separation of miscible liquids. The process requires repeated distillations and condensations of the mixture. The separation of the mixture happens when the mixture is heated at a certain temperature where fractions of the mixture start to vaporize and are collected separately. Fraction Distillation works on the liquid that has liquid mixed together with different heat of vaporization. Petroleum Oil is distilled into Petrol, Diesel, Petroleum Jelly, etc. using the Fractional Distillation method.

In this article, we will learn about fractional distillation in chemistry, the fractional distillation definition, the fractional distillation process, and others in detail.

Table of Content

  • Fractional Distillation Definition
  • Principle of Fractional Distillation
  • Fractional Distillation Procedure
  • Applications of Fractional Distillation
  • Difference between Simple Distillation and Fractional Distillation

Similar Reads

Fractional Distillation Definition

Fractional Distillation is used to separate miscible liquids that are volatile in nature. The boiling points of these liquids are close enough. The fractionating column apparatus is used to simulate the separation. Also known as liquification, since the vapour is condensed partially and returned as a liquid. It is basically a process where the vaporization of a liquid mixture gives rise to a mixture of constituents, followed by the extraction of the required component in its pure form....

Principle of Fractional Distillation

On distillation of the liquid mixture, the partial condensation of the vapour occurs in a fractionating column....

Fractional Distillation Procedure

Apparatuses required for the process of Fractional Distillation includes:...

Applications of Fractional Distillation

Fractional distillation can be used to separate the mixtures like:...

Separating Funnel

The technique used for the separation of two immiscible liquids is done using an apparatus called a separating funnel. It is a special type of funnel which has a stop-cock in its stem which permits or stops the flow of a liquid from it. The separation of two immiscible liquids by a separating funnel depends on the differences in the densities of the composing liquids. The heavier liquid settles at the bottom and the lighter liquid remains as an upper layer....

Industrial Distillation

Fractional distillation has a lot of industrial applications. The principle behind the process of Industrial Distillation remains the same, this distillation is carried out on a very large scale. Huge vertical cylindrical columns called “distillation columns”, “distillation towers” or “fractionation towers” are used. Reflux is used in these towers to ensure complete separation of the mixtures....

Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

The most widespread use of  Fractional Distillation is in the distillation of Crude Oil. Fractional distillation separates various components of crude oil. Crude oil contains substances such as...

Difference between Simple Distillation and Fractional Distillation

The difference between Simple Distillation and Fractional Distillation is shown in the table added below:...

FAQs on Fractional Distillation

1. What is Fractional Distillation?...

Contact Us