Im doing my lab report about steam distillation?

and its asking me how i can tell if the two compounds i steam distilled are pure. but im not sure how to tell? i mean is the volatile or the nonvolatile compound the pure compound? or maybe the boiling point is what tells me if its pure? please help!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_distillation

thanks, but didn't really find the answer to my question...

You could definately check the boiling points to see if they are pure but that would kind of defeat the purpose of steam distillation. What compounds are you working with? Could you do some other test?

To determine if the compounds you steam distilled are pure, there are a few factors you can consider. The volatility and boiling points of the compounds can provide useful information, but the most reliable way to assess purity is by using analytical techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, or melting point determination. Here are a few methods you can employ:

1. Volatility: In steam distillation, the more volatile compound will generally preferentially vaporize and condense in the receiver. If you observe only one compound being collected, it suggests a higher level of purity for that compound. However, it is important to note that this method alone cannot guarantee absolute purity as some impurities may also possess volatile properties.

2. Boiling Point: The boiling point of a compound can serve as an indication of purity. If a compound has a single, sharp boiling point, it suggests that no impurities are present. However, if you observe a range of boiling points or if the boiling point deviates significantly from the literature value for the pure compound, it may indicate impurities.

3. Chromatography: This technique separates individual components of a mixture based on their different affinities for a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) can be used to analyze the separated compounds and determine their purity.

4. Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), or mass spectrometry (MS) can provide valuable information about the chemical structure and purity of the compounds. These methods can identify functional groups, molecular weights, and detect impurities.

5. Melting Point Determination: Determining the melting point of a compound can be helpful in assessing its purity. A pure compound will have a defined melting point within a narrow range, while impurities may cause a depression or broadening of the melting point.

It is essential to use a combination of these techniques to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the compounds' purity. Consulting your lab manual or instructor for specific guidelines and techniques relevant to your experiment will be beneficial.