Fractional distillation
Select Lesson
Electricity
Waves
Forces and motion
Energy
Earth and atmosphere
Acids and alkalis
Chemical reactions
Pure and impure substances
The periodic table and properties of materials
Atoms, elements and compounds
States of matter
Genetics and evolution
Interactions and interdependencies
Plants
Human reproduction
Human gas exchange systems
Human nutrition, digestion and health
Human skeleton and muscles
Explainer Video
Tutor: Alisha
Summary
Fractional distillation
In a nutshell
Fractional distillation is used to separate out a mixture of liquids based on their different boiling points.
Fractional distillation
Fractional distillation can be used to separate crude oil, this produces many useful products such as petrol and diesel. The stages of fractional distillation are explained below.
 |
|
procedure
| 1. | Put the mixture in a flask. |
| 2. | Attach a fractionating column and condenser to the flask as shown in the diagram. |
| 3. | Heat up the flask, gradually. Different liquids have different boiling points which means they will evaporate off at different temperatures as the flask heats up and the liquids boil. |
| 4. | Liquid with the lowest boiling point will evaporate first. When the boiling point is reached the liquid will turn into a gas and rise to the top of the column then condense out via the condenser. |
| 5. | Liquids with a higher boiling point will not reach the top of the column and will condense back down into the flask. |
| 6. | Once the first liquid has been collected, raise the temperature until the next liquid reaches the top of the column. |
| 7. | Collect the different liquids in different test tubes. |
Read more
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the column attached to the flask for fractional distillation?
The column attached to the flask for fractional distillation is called a fractionating column.
How are liquids separated using fractional distillation?
Different liquids have different boiling points which means they will evaporate at different temperatures. When the boiling point is reached the liquid will turn into a gas at the top of the column then condense out via the condenser.
Why do you use fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is used to separate out a mixture of liquids.