In a fractional distillation seperation method, why is it important to insulate the column? What would...

In a fractional distillation seperation method, why is it important to insulate the column? What would be the consequence of not insulating the column during fractional distillation?

Expert Solution

The efficiency in terms of the amount of heating and time required to get fractionation can be improved by insulating the outside of the column in an insulator such as wool, aluminium foil or preferably a vacuum jacket.

If all the high b.p. stuff is being condensed and if we insulate the column then the component with the high boiling point will not have time to condense fully, and so it will come over with the low boiling point component and ruin the distillation.

On the other hand if we are distilling two substances with reasonably high boiling points then perhaps everything will be condensed before it reaches the still head, so distillation won't actually be going anywhere. In this case we should insulate the column to allow the vapors to reach the top of the column and separation to occur.

queen_honey_blossom answered 2 years ago

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