What is the main characteristic of simple distillation?

The main characteristic of simple distillation is that it effectively separates liquids with significantly different boiling points by vaporizing one component and then condensing it back into a liquid. This technique relies on the principle that different substances have different volatilities, meaning they will vaporize at different temperatures. In a simple distillation setup, a mixture is heated in a distillation flask, and as the temperature rises, the component with the lower boiling point will vaporize first. This vapor is then directed into a condenser where it is cooled and recondensed back into liquid form, allowing it to be collected separately. This method is particularly useful for purifying a liquid or separating components in a mixture where the boiling point difference is substantial, typically greater than 25°C.

Other methods, such as fractional distillation, are used for mixtures with closer boiling points, while simple distillation is mainly suited to cases where there is a significant difference, making it efficient and straightforward for achieving separation.