Azeotropism is a term used in chemistry that refers to the phenomenon of two or more substances forming a mixture that has a constant boiling point and composition. This means that the mixture cannot be separated into its individual components through distillation. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of azeotropism, as well as its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Azeotropism is defined as the property of a mixture of two or more substances that boils at a constant temperature and has a constant composition. This means that when the mixture is heated, it will boil at a specific temperature, and the composition of the vapor produced will be the same as that of the liquid. Azeotropes can be either minimum boiling or maximum boiling, depending on the type of mixture.
Origin
The term azeotropism comes from the Greek word “azein,” which means “to boil,” and the word “tropos,” which means “turn.” The concept of azeotropism was first discovered by the French chemist Francois Marie Raoult in the 19th century. Raoult observed that certain mixtures of liquids had a constant boiling point, and he named these mixtures “azeotropes.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, azeotropism is “the property of a liquid mixture in which the composition of the vapor given off is the same as that of the liquid, and which boils at a constant temperature.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines azeotropism as “the property of a mixture of liquids that boils at a constant temperature and has a constant composition.”
Associations
Azeotropism is closely associated with distillation, which is a process used to separate mixtures of liquids based on their boiling points. Azeotropes cannot be separated by distillation because they have a constant boiling point and composition. Azeotropism is also important in the production of chemicals, as it can affect the purity and yield of the final product.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of azeotropism include:
- Constant boiling.
- Fixed boiling.
- Invariable boiling.
- Unchangeable boiling.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of azeotropism include:
- Variable boiling.
- Changeable boiling.
- Fluctuating boiling.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root words as azeotropism.
Example Sentences
- Azeotropism is a property of certain liquid mixtures that makes them difficult to separate.
- The azeotrope of ethanol and water has a boiling point of 78.1 degrees Celsius.
- Azeotropism can have a significant impact on the efficiency of distillation processes.
- The azeotrope of hydrochloric acid and water is used in the production of semiconductors.
- Azeotropism is an important concept in the field of chemical engineering.