Alcohol Boiling Points & Distillation Basics

In summary, the literature boiling point refers to the published accepted value for a substance's boiling point. This value can be found in sources such as the MSDS or CRC handbook. It is important to note that boiling point can vary slightly depending on pressure, so the published value is typically for sea level or 1 atmosphere.
  • #1
jnimagine
178
0
boiling point??

What is a literature boiling point??
Is it the same thing as just normal boiling point?
What does this temperature tell us in regards to distillation of alcohol? (alcohol properties)
 
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  • #2


jnimagine said:
What is a literature boiling point??
"in the literature" means the published accepted value.

What does this temperature tell us in regards to distillation of alcohol? (alcohol properties)
I think this is a diferent question.
 
  • #3


mgb_phys said:
"in the literature" means the published accepted value.


I think this is a diferent question.

so the boiling point I find on MSDS or something is ok??
and about the question regarding distillation...
yeah, the next question is a different question..
so if a literature boiling point of a certain alcohol is obtained from distillation, what can you figure out from that value?
 
  • #4


Yes, or from the CRC handbook etc.
Boiling point does vary slightly pressure so the published value will be for sae level / 1 atmosphere.
 

1. What is the boiling point of alcohol?

The boiling point of alcohol varies depending on the type of alcohol. For example, the boiling point of ethanol (the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages) is 173.1°F or 78.37°C. However, the boiling point of methanol (a type of alcohol used in industrial processes) is 148.5°F or 64.72°C.

2. Why does alcohol have a lower boiling point than water?

The difference in boiling points between alcohol and water is due to their molecular structures. Alcohol molecules have weaker intermolecular forces, meaning that they require less energy to break apart and turn into vapor. Water molecules, on the other hand, have stronger intermolecular forces, requiring more energy to break apart and reach their boiling point.

3. How does distillation work?

Distillation is a process used to separate different substances in a mixture based on their boiling points. The mixture is heated until the substance with the lowest boiling point turns into a vapor, which then travels through a condenser and turns back into a liquid. This liquid is collected and separated from the other substances in the mixture, as they have higher boiling points and remain in their liquid form.

4. What are the different types of distillation?

There are several types of distillation, including simple distillation, fractional distillation, and vacuum distillation. Simple distillation is used when the substances in the mixture have significantly different boiling points. Fractional distillation is used when the substances have closer boiling points and require multiple distillation steps. Vacuum distillation is used when the substances have very high boiling points and need to be distilled under reduced pressure.

5. What are the common uses of distillation in everyday life?

Distillation is used in various industries, such as the production of alcoholic beverages, perfume, and fuel. It is also used in water purification processes to remove impurities and produce clean drinking water. In addition, distillation is used in laboratories to separate and purify compounds for scientific research and experiments.

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