• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

• CHEM 312

Experiment 3 – Isolation of a Natural Product by Steam Distillation

Experiment 3 – Isolation of a Natural Product by Steam Distillation ..... 3-1

Purpose: 3-1

Pre-Lab Questions:. 3-2

Introduction 3-3

Distillation of Organic Compounds. 3-3

Essential Oils ..... 3-4

Experiment Description: .... 3-5

Questions: .. 3-6

Purpose:

For many biologically and commercially relevant molecules, purification through chemical means is

necessary. Natural systems are exceedingly complex, involving thousands of different molecules in the

simplest organism, and utilizing differences in chemical properties is one way that scientists can isolate a

single compound from these complex mixtures. The use of distillation methods allows for the separation

of compounds based upon their boiling points. In this experiment, steam distillation allows for the isolation

of oils below their boiling point by the condensation of the oil vapors from water vapor.

2021-09-22-rhw 3-2

Pre-Lab Questions:

Look at your isomers for C6H14 from experiment one. Pick two compounds and predict which would

have a higher boiling point and which would have a lower boiling point using our understanding of

intermolecular forces developed in CHEM 124/127. Provide a brief explanation.

Distillation involves heating a liquid above the boiling point, and collecting that vapor as a liquid by

cooling a second vessel to condense the vapor. Using your understanding of thermodynamics from

CHEM 125/128, why does the steam need to be cooled in order to collect it as a liquid?