How Do You Spell VACUUM DISTILLATION?

Pronunciation: [vˈakjuːm dɪstɪlˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Vacuum distillation is a process used for separating components in a mixture that have a high boiling point. This technique is often employed in the petrochemical industry. The spelling of "vacuum distillation" is pronounced /ˈvækjuːm dɪstɪˈleɪʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This transliteration indicates that the first syllable is pronounced "vak-yoo-um," with emphasis on the second syllable. In the second syllable, both "di" and "ti" are pronounced using the same "t" sound. Finally, the word finishes with a "shun" sound pronunciation from the "tion" ending.

Meaning and Definition
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VACUUM DISTILLATION Meaning and Definition

  1. Vacuum distillation is a specialized method of distillation that is performed under reduced pressure or in a vacuum. It is used to separate different components of a liquid mixture based on their boiling points, particularly when the boiling points are very high or when thermal degradation may occur at higher temperatures.

    In vacuum distillation, the pressure is lowered below atmospheric pressure, typically using a vacuum pump, which reduces the boiling point of the liquid mixture. This technique is advantageous for heat-sensitive substances or those with high boiling points that require lower temperatures for separation. By utilizing lower boiling points, vacuum distillation allows for the purification and isolation of valuable or sensitive compounds without causing chemical degradation.

    The process of vacuum distillation involves heating the liquid mixture in a flask or still, while simultaneously withdrawing vapors through a condenser, which cools and converts them back into a liquid form. The condensed vapors are collected as distillate in separate receiving flasks. This distillate typically contains the desired compound(s) with higher purity compared to the original mixture. The remaining liquid residue, called the residue or bottoms, may contain the less volatile or higher boiling substances.

    Vacuum distillation finds wide application in various industries, including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing, for the separation and purification of substances with high boiling points or heat sensitivity. It is an essential technique for producing high-quality products, improving safety, and optimizing industrial processes.

Etymology of VACUUM DISTILLATION

The word "vacuum" originates from the Latin term "vacuum", which means "empty" or "void". It refers to a space devoid of matter. "Distillation", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "distillare", which means "to drop" or "to trickle down in small drops". In the context of chemistry, distillation refers to the process of separating or purifying substances through the application of heat and condensation. When combined, "vacuum distillation" refers to the process of distillation carried out under reduced pressure or in a space with low atmospheric pressure.