Difference between azeotropic distillation and extractive distillation
Answers
Azeotropic and extractive distillations are both methods of separating mixtures. Both of them also use a certain separating solvent to help in the process. The main difference between the two is in the process of separating the mixture. Azeotropic distillation forms an azeotrope right after combining the separation solvent. This azeotrope can be a complicated way of separating the mixture because it cannot be easily changed by just a simple distillation. In extractive distillation, a specific separation solvent is used in every mixture that should not form an azeotrope. In this way, extractive distillation is a better and easier method than the azeotropic distillation. But you need to bear in mind that if you have a mixture with very different volatilities, then the most effective separation method would be the azeotropic distillation.