Fractional crystallization (chemistry)

Crystallization
Concepts
Crystallization · Crystal growth Recrystallization · Seed crystal Protocrystalline · Single crystal
Fundamentals
Nucleation · Crystal Crystal structure · Solid
Methods and technology
Boules · Bridgman–Stockbarger Czochralski process · Fractional crystalliz. · Frac. freezing · Hydrot. synthesis · LHPG

In chemistry, fractional crystallization is a method of refining substances based on differences in solubility. If a mixture of two or more substances in solution is allowed to crystallize, for example by allowing the temperature of the solution to decrease, the precipitate will contain more of the least soluble substance. The proportion of components in the precipitate will depend on their solubility products. If the solubility products are very similar a cascade process will be needeed to effectuate a complete separation.

This technique is often used in chemical engineering to obtain very pure substances, or to recover saleable products from waste solutions.

See also

• Crystal
• Crystal structure
• Crystallite
• Crystallization and engineering aspects
• Fractional freezing
• Laser Heated Pedestal Growth
• Recrystallization (chemistry)
• Seed crystal
• Single crystal
• Pumpable ice technology

References

• "Small Molecule Crystalization" (PDF) at Illinois Institute of Technology website