Distillate Definition in Chemistry

Distillates in Distillation

Copper alembic distiller

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A distillate is the vapor in a distillation that is collected and condensed into a liquid. Alternatively, it is the name of the product obtained from the distillation process.

Examples

Alcohol prepared for consumption is a good example of a distillate. Distilled liquors include whiskey, tequila, and some types of vodka. Distillation of air yields liquid nitrogen, oxygen, and argon as distillates. Distillation of crude oil is used to produce fuel as a distillate.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Distillate Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-distillate-604718. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Distillate Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-distillate-604718 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Distillate Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-distillate-604718 (accessed March 28, 2024).