Question

What is the basis for the process of distillation?

(a) Difference in melting point

(b) Difference in temperature

(c) Difference in pressure

(d) Difference in boiling point

This question was addressed to me in examination.

I'd like to ask this question from Methods of Purification of Organic Compounds topic in portion Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles and Technique of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) Difference in boiling point

The best I can explain: The process of distillation is based on the difference in the boiling points of the liquids. This is because, liquids having different boiling points vaporize at different temperatures. In this way, the vapors cooled can be collected separately from the liquid formed. Crystallization is used to separate volatile liquids from non-volatile liquids as well.