Fractional crystallization (chemistry)

Crystallization
Fundamentals
Concepts
Methods and technology


In chemistry, fractional crystallization is a stage-wise separation technique that relies on the liquid-solid phase change. fractional crystallisation. This is an old established method which is nevertheless capable of excellent results and a description is available in "The practical Methods of organic Chemistry" by Ludwig Gattermann in 1898 and a translation was available in English by WILLIAM B. SHOBER who was a Lehigh University, USA.

This technique fractionates via differences in crystallization temperature and enables the purification of multi-component mixtures, as long as none of the constituents can act as solvents to the others. Due to the high selectivity of the solid – liquid equilibrium, very high purities can be achieved for the selected component.