Distillation is a process of separating components of a mixture based on their boiling points. However, when two or more components in a mixture have similar boiling points, it becomes difficult to separate them using traditional distillation methods. This is where azeotropic distillation comes into play. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of azeotropic distillation.
Definitions
Azeotropic distillation is a process of separating azeotropes, which are mixtures of two or more liquids that have a constant boiling point and composition. Azeotropic distillation involves adding a third component, known as an entrainer, to the mixture to break the azeotrope and allow for separation of the components.
Origin
The concept of azeotropic distillation was first introduced by the French chemist Francois Marie Raoult in 1883. Raoult discovered that the boiling point of a mixture of two liquids is not always the average of the boiling points of the individual liquids. Instead, the boiling point of the mixture can be either higher or lower than the boiling points of the individual liquids, depending on the composition of the mixture.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, azeotropic distillation is “a distillation process in which a third substance is added to a mixture of two substances to break an azeotrope and facilitate separation.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines azeotropic distillation as “a form of distillation in which an entrainer is added to a mixture of liquids to facilitate separation by breaking an azeotrope.”
Associations
Azeotropic distillation is commonly used in the chemical industry to separate mixtures of liquids that cannot be separated by traditional distillation methods. It is also used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products.
Synonyms
Synonyms of azeotropic distillation include entrainer-assisted distillation, extractive distillation, and heteroazeotropic distillation.
Antonyms
Antonyms of azeotropic distillation include simple distillation, fractional distillation, and steam distillation.
The same root words
The word “azeotropic” is derived from the Greek words “azein,” meaning to boil, and “tropos,” meaning turning. The word “distillation” is derived from the Latin word “distillare,” meaning to drip down.
Example Sentences
- The azeotropic distillation process was used to separate the components of the mixture.
- The entrainer-assisted distillation method was employed to break the azeotrope and allow for separation of the liquids.
- Azeotropic distillation is a common technique used in the chemical industry to separate mixtures of liquids with similar boiling points.