AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/354-distillate
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Condensate, still product, distilled fraction
What is Distillate?
The condensed liquid collected after the vapor has passed through the condenser during distillation. The distillate contains the more volatile components of the original mixture. Pure compounds have sharp boiling points and produce distillates of constant composition.
Properties & Characteristics
The distillate is the condensed liquid (or gas-cooled liquid) that is collected after vaporisation and condensation in a distillation process. It consists predominantly of the more volatile component(s) of the original mixture. The distillate's composition changes during a simple distillation (early fractions are richer in the most volatile component). In fractional distillation, sharp fractions correspond to pure compounds at their boiling points.
Uses & Applications
Distillates are used as purified solvents, isolated chemical products, drinking water (distilled water), spirits (distilled alcohol), petroleum fractions (petrol, kerosene from crude oil distillation), and essential oils from steam distillation of plant materials.
Safety Information
The distillate fraction may contain the most volatile and flammable components. Condensation and collection should be done in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Some early distillate fractions (foreshots in spirits distillation) contain methanol and must be discarded.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsCondensate, still product, distilled fraction
Frequently Asked Questions
The condensed liquid collected after the vapor has passed through the condenser during distillation. The distillate contains the more volatile components of the original mixture. Pure compounds have sharp boiling points and produce distillates of constant composition.
Distillates are used as purified solvents, isolated chemical products, drinking water (distilled water), spirits (distilled alcohol), petroleum fractions (petrol, kerosene from crude oil distillation), and essential oils from steam distillation of plant materials.
The distillate fraction may contain the most volatile and flammable components. Condensation and collection should be done in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Some early distillate fractions (foreshots in spirits distillation) contain methanol and must be discarded.
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
