Distillation simulation

Choose compounds to mix, then heat the mixture. Differences in polarity and intermolecular-force strength affect boiling point. The simulation shows particles evaporating, moving through the condenser, cooling back into liquid and collecting as the distillate.

Temperature 20°C
20°C
What is happening?
The mixture is being heated.

Distillation separates substances by boiling point. Polarity, hydrogen bonding, dipole–dipole attractions and London dispersion forces all influence how much energy is needed for molecules to separate into the gas phase.

Compound Formula Boiling point
Collected distillate
Nothing collected yet.

Model limitations: this is a conceptual classroom model. Real distillation depends on vapour pressure, miscibility, concentration, heating rate and apparatus. Polarity alone does not determine boiling point: the type and total strength of intermolecular forces, including dispersion forces that increase with molecular size, must be considered. The simulation simplifies miscibility and does not model azeotropes; some selected liquid combinations may form separate layers in reality.

About this simulation

Use this interactive apparatus to build a liquid mixture, heat it and observe how differences in boiling point allow components to separate. Students can follow evaporation, vapour movement, condensation and collection while comparing the liquid remaining in the flask with the distillate. It supports secondary chemistry lessons on separation techniques and particle-level explanations of boiling and condensation.

Key concepts: Simple distillation, Boiling point, Separation techniques, Condensation.