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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A liquid with high boiling point decomposes on simple distillation but it can be steam distilled for its purification. Explain how is it possible?
ChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryNEET
Options:
  • A Steam distillation allows for higher temperatures than simple distillation.
  • B Steam distillation is a special type of separation process for temperature sensitive materials like natural organic compounds. Some organic compounds tend to decompose at higher temperature and normal distillation does not suit this purpose. So, steam/water is added to the apparatus and the temperature of the compounds are depressed, evaporating them at lower temperature. Once the distillation is accomplishing, the vapours are condensed and hence there is the separation of the constituents at ease.
  • C Steam distillation uses a lower pressure than simple distillation.
  • D Steam distillation involves the use of specialized equipment.
Solution:
2754 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Steam distillation is a special type of separation process for temperature sensitive materials like natural organic compounds. Some organic compounds tend to decompose at higher temperature and normal distillation does not suit this purpose. So, steam/water is added to the apparatus and the temperature of the compounds are depressed, evaporating them at lower temperature. Once the distillation is accomplishing, the vapours are condensed and hence there is the separation of the constituents at ease.
Correct Option is : (B)
Steam distillation is a special type of separation process for temperature sensitive materials like natural organic compounds. Some organic compounds tend to decompose at higher temperature and normal distillation does not suit this purpose. So, steam/water is added to the apparatus and the temperature of the compounds are depressed, evaporating them at lower temperature. Once the distillation is accomplishing, the vapours are condensed and hence there is the separation of the constituents at ease.

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