2007-08-01 01:14:07 · 3 answers · asked by Marie C 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Some compounds form azeotropic mixtures (96% ethanol-4% water is a familiar example), which cannot be separated into components by distillation alone.
2007-08-01 01:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by anotherhumanmale 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which limitation?
The efficiency of separating a mixture of liquids depends mostly on the differences in their boiling points. Large differences usually make for a shorter distillation column or a higher purity split of the components.
Limitations can be on distillation column height, temperature, pressure or the amount of energy being supplied.
2007-08-01 11:28:46 · answer #2 · answered by Rush is a band 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another limitation is that some compounds will decompose if heat is applied to them.
2007-08-01 10:31:25 · answer #3 · answered by Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋