Why is steam distillation rather than a simple distillation used to isolate eugenol?

My answer is because the temperature goes nowhere near their boiling points, which minimises the risk of decompostion.

Is it that right? If not then don't you mind if you can explain to me please. Thank!

You're right.

Thank you!

No, your explanation is not entirely correct. Steam distillation is used to isolate eugenol instead of simple distillation because eugenol has a high boiling point and is prone to decomposition at higher temperatures.

In steam distillation, a mixture of water and the substance to be isolated (in this case, eugenol) is heated. The boiling water generates steam, which carries the eugenol vapor into the condenser. The eugenol vapor condenses in the condenser and is collected separately.

By using steam distillation, the lower boiling point of water allows for the separation of eugenol at a lower temperature, minimizing the risk of decomposition. This method is particularly useful for isolating heat-sensitive compounds like eugenol.

You are partially correct. Steam distillation is indeed used to isolate eugenol because the temperature during the process is lower than the boiling point of eugenol, thus minimizing the risk of decomposition. However, there is another important reason why steam distillation is preferred over simple distillation in this particular case.

Eugenol is a compound that is not very volatile and can easily decompose or react with other substances at high temperatures. In simple distillation, the sample would be directly heated, and the high temperatures required for distillation could cause the eugenol to break down and lose its desired properties.

However, in steam distillation, the sample is not directly exposed to high temperatures. Instead, steam is passed through the mixture, and the vaporized compounds, including the eugenol, are carried over with the steam. The steam effectively lowers the boiling point of the eugenol, allowing it to vaporize at a lower temperature, thus minimizing the risk of decomposition.

The advantage of steam distillation in isolating eugenol is that it provides a gentler and more controlled distillation process, which helps preserve the integrity of the compound. Additionally, steam distillation is often used when isolating volatile compounds from natural sources, such as essential oils, as it helps to prevent degradation and maintain the desired qualities of the compound.