What technique is typically used to separate components of a mixture based on their boiling points?

The technique that is primarily used to separate components of a mixture based on their boiling points is distillation. This method takes advantage of the differences in boiling points of the substances in the mixture. When a mixture is heated, the component with the lower boiling point vaporizes first and can be collected as a separate liquid upon cooling.

Distillation is particularly effective for separating liquid mixtures where the components have significantly different boiling points, allowing for efficient separation and purification. This technique is widely used in both laboratory and industrial settings for the purification of solvents, essential oils, and petrochemicals.

In contrast, recrystallization is a method used to purify solid compounds by dissolving them in a suitable solvent and then forming crystals as the solution cools. Filtration is used to separate solids from liquids or gases, typically based on particle size. Chromatography is a technique used for separating mixtures by passing them through a stationary phase, often depending on various interaction characteristics rather than boiling points. Each of these methods is valuable in organic chemistry, but distillation specifically addresses the separation of components based on their boiling points.