What is fractional distillation?

1 Answer
May 28, 2016

Explanation:

Chemists typically use fractional distillation to separate and purify volatile components. What is done on a very small scale in the laboratory, would be done on the macro scale in an oil refinery. Here a fractionating column would separate crude into its various components. The separation is by boiling point. Typically, #40-60""^@#, #60-80""^@#, #90-110""^@# (and higher) boiling point fractions are available.