Molecular distillation is a type of distillation process that is carried out under high vacuum conditions.
It is a method used to separate liquid mixtures by taking advantage of the differences in the evaporation rates of each component in the mixture.
In molecular distillation, the pressure is reduced to a very low level, typically less than 1x10-2 mbar, creating a high vacuum.
This causes the mean free path of the steam molecules to be greater than the distance between the evaporation surface and the condensation surface.
As a result, the molecules can travel without colliding with each other.
The process involves heating the liquid mixture to evaporate the components with lower boiling points.
The evaporated molecules then condense individually and are collected as the distillate.
The condensation occurs in a separate condenser, which is located close to the evaporator, typically around 2 cm away.
Molecular distillation is often referred to as short path distillation because of the short distance between the evaporator and the condenser.
It requires a high vacuum to achieve a high intermolecular distance, which can be achieved with a vacuum of 0.1 to 1.0 pascal.
The main principle of molecular distillation is that the liquid film on the heated surface, under high vacuum conditions, produces vapors.
Each molecule then condenses individually, allowing for the separation of the components in the liquid mixture.
Overall, molecular distillation is a technique used to separate liquid mixtures by utilizing the differences in the evaporation rates of the components.
It is particularly useful for purifying and separating organic compounds in the field of chemistry.
4 Key Points Explained: What is Molecular Distillation?
1. High Vacuum Conditions
Molecular distillation operates under high vacuum conditions, typically less than 1x10-2 mbar, to create a high vacuum environment.
2. Short Path Distillation
The process is often called short path distillation due to the short distance between the evaporator and the condenser, usually around 2 cm.
3. Individual Condensation
Each molecule condenses individually, allowing for precise separation of components in the liquid mixture.
4. Application in Chemistry
Molecular distillation is particularly useful for purifying and separating organic compounds in the field of chemistry.
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