Fractional distillation is the process of separation of components of mixture into parts or fraction on the basis of fractional differences in their boiling points.
Fractional distillation is done when the difference in boiling points of the components of miscible liquids is less than 25°C. In the process of fractional distillation, a fractional column is used along with retort or distillation flask.
Fractional column is a tube which contains glass beads, which facilitate surface for the vapour to cool and condense repeatedly.
Example – Ethanol and water are separated from their mixture using fractional distillation. The boiling point of water is 1000C while the boiling point of ethanol is 78.4°C. Since the difference of their boiling point is less than 25°C, thus they are separated using fractional distillation.
