What is #"steam-distillation"#?
1 Answer
Steam distillation is a softer method of distillation, in which steam is used to elevate the combined vapour pressures of the steam and an organic component ABOVE atmospheric pressure.
Explanation:
The result? When the pressure of the steam and the vapour pressure of the component, which vapours are entrained, exceeds the atmospheric pressure, the distillate is enriched with the component, which normally separates on standing.
Thus when
Of course, you could attempt to distill the desired liquid directly. But you certainly would need to use higher temperatures, the which may decompose or chemically alter the component you are after. If you are in the perfume caper, (and such distillations are widely used in this trade), you could claim that the product is
So I can give you a specific example from a first year undergrad organic lab. Bromobenzene is often steam distilled. Its normal boiling point is
Anyway, there is nothing that I say here that you won't learn better by doing the experiment in a laboratory. When you do it, ask for the insight of your teaching assistant; they are usually very experienced, and more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. Good luck.
PS It seems that I have addressed this question before. C'est la vie.