What is the Difference Between Fractional Distillation and Distillation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between fractional distillation and distillation (also known as simple distillation) lies in the boiling points of the components in the liquid mixture and the number of vaporization-condensation steps involved in the process.
Distillation (Simple Distillation):
- Used to separate liquids with a difference in boiling points greater than 25°C.
- The experimental setup requires a simple apparatus with two flasks and a condenser.
- Every vaporization-condensation step is recognized as simple distillation.
- Example: Separating water from seawater.
Fractional Distillation:
- Used to separate liquids with a difference in boiling points less than 25°C.
- The experimental setup requires a complex apparatus with a fractioning column.
- Multiple simple distillation processes are carried out with small losses in one apparatus.
- Example: Separating a mixture of ethanol and water.
In fractional distillation, the mixture is boiled in a fractionating column, a long tube that allows the liquid to vaporize and condense several times as it hits cooler air. This process is more efficient when the boiling points of the two liquids in the mixture are close, generally a difference of less than 40°C (104°F). Fractionating columns are often packed with metal wire or other materials to increase the surface area for vaporization and condensation.
Comparative Table: Fractional Distillation vs Distillation
Here is a table comparing the differences between simple distillation and fractional distillation:
Feature | Simple Distillation | Fractional Distillation |
---|---|---|
Apparatus | Uses a simple apparatus with 2 flasks and a condenser. | Uses a fractionating column in addition to the standard distillation apparatus. |
Boiling Point Requirements | Separates components with distinct boiling points. | Separates components with similar boiling points more effectively. |
Separation Efficiency | Less efficient in separating components with similar boiling points. | More efficient in separating components with similar boiling points due to multiple vaporization and condensation cycles. |
Examples | Separating ethanol from a mixture of ethanol and water. | Separating chemicals in petroleum refining or purifying water with similar boiling points. |
Complexity | Simpler setup and procedure. | More complex setup and procedure, often used in industries like petroleum refining. |
In summary, simple distillation is a process used to separate components with distinct boiling points using a simple apparatus, while fractional distillation is a more advanced and complex process that uses a fractionating column to separate components with similar boiling points more effectively.
- Fractional vs Simple Distillation
- Steam Distillation vs Fractional Distillation
- Refining vs Fractional Distillation
- Evaporation vs Distillation
- Distillation vs Extraction
- Steam Distillation vs Hydrodistillation
- Distillation vs Condensation
- Distillation vs Chromatography
- Batch vs Continuous Distillation
- Molecular Distillation vs Short Path Distillation
- Atmospheric Distillation vs Vacuum Distillation
- Azeotropic vs Extractive Distillation
- Distilled Water vs Boiled Water
- Distilled vs Purified Water
- Decantation vs Filtration
- Deionized vs Distilled water
- Fraction vs Decimal
- Mole Fraction vs Mass Fraction
- Evaporation vs Boiling