Vacuum distillation is a method that lowers the pressure to enable distillation at reduced temperatures, minimizing decomposition of sensitive compounds. It is particularly useful for liquids with high boiling points or those that chemically change at their boiling points. The process relies on the principle that boiling occurs when a liquid's vapor pressure exceeds the ambient pressure. This technique is commonly employed in laboratory settings. For a more detailed understanding, reference materials like Wikipedia can provide additional context.