Answer:
Steam distillation is a specialized method of distillation used to extract essential oils, aromatic compounds, and other volatile substances from plants or other materials that are sensitive to high temperatures. This technique involves passing steam through the plant material, which vaporizes the volatile compounds, and then condensing the steam and the vaporized compounds into a liquid form.
The steam distillation process is typically carried out in a distillation apparatus, which consists of a boiling flask, a condenser, and a receiver. The plant material is placed in the boiling flask and steam is introduced into the flask from a separate boiler or steam generator. The steam then passes through the plant material, vaporizing the essential oils and other volatile compounds. The steam and the vaporized compounds then pass through the condenser, where they are cooled and condensed into a liquid form, which is collected in the receiver.
Steam distillation is particularly useful for extracting essential oils and aromatic compounds from plant materials that are too delicate to withstand the high temperatures required for traditional distillation techniques. It is commonly used in the production of essential oils for use in perfumes, aromatherapy, and other applications. Additionally, steam distillation is a relatively simple and inexpensive method of extracting volatile compounds from plant materials, making it a popular choice for small-scale producers and hobbyists.