Recrystallization
| Also Known As | Fractional crystallization, purification by crystallization, recrystallisation |
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What is Recrystallization?
Recrystallization is a purification technique used to remove impurities from solid compounds by dissolving them in a hot solvent (in which the compound has greater solubility at high temperature) and then slowly cooling the solution to form purified crystals while impurities remain in solution. It is one of the most important laboratory and industrial purification methods for solid organic compounds.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Recrystallization is a purification technique used to remove impurities from solid compounds by dissolving them in a hot solvent (in which the compound has greater solubility at high temperature) and then slowly cooling the solution to form purified crystals while impurities remain in solution. It is one of the most important laboratory and industrial purification methods for solid organic compounds.
Purifying organic compounds after synthesis. Pharmaceutical manufacturing (API purification). Food industry (sugar refining by recrystallization). Growing crystals for X-ray diffraction analysis. Industrial chemical purification. Teaching laboratory technique.
Solvents used may be flammable (ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate) or toxic. Use fume hood. Hot solvent handling — burns risk. Vacuum filtration — implosion risk with cracked glassware. Filter hot solution quickly to prevent premature crystallization.