Question

Why is sublimation a good purification technique?

Answer 1

The process which involves the transformation of any substance directly from the solid to the gaseous state or from the gaseous to the solid state without becoming a liquid is called Sublimation

Sublimation technique involves

Under this reduced pressure, the solid volatilizes and condenses in purified form on a cooled surface, leaving a non-volatile residue of impurities behind. Once heating stops and the vacuum is removed, the purified compound is then collected from the cooled surface.

There are many advantages for performing sublimation

1. The process is principally used for micro scale purifications of solids because the loss of product is very minimal

2.It is appropriable for any heat sensitive compound (but under high pressure, sublimation can be affected under low temperatures)

3 Unlike recrystallization, solvents are not used in this process, and if traces are found of any solvent they are effectively eliminated