What is a Vigreux distillation column used for and how does it work?

Question

What is a Vigreux distillation column used for and how does it work?

Answer 1

A Vigreux column is a glass distillation column used from fractional distillation. The inside of the column contains many rows of downward facing 'spikes' that condenses the distilling vapor as it passes through the column. This column is designed to face upwards so that the condensate falls back into the heated flask. The repeated vaporization and condensation processes that occurs as the condensate passes up the column allows for a more accurate distillation of mixtures by narrowing the boiling point window of condensate that makes it to the top of the column. This is the basic priciple behind fractional distillation and how the Vigreux column works...