Vigreux column

A Vigreux column (or Vigreux condenser) is a type of fractionating column widely used in chemistry, due to its simplicity.

General

The Vigreux column consists of a glass tube with ground glass joints at its ends. The tube contains an abundance of downward-pointing indentations, which dramatically increase the surface area per unit length of the condenser. A few types of Vigreux columns have a side arm which allows you to connect a straight condenser directly to the column, allowing you to shorten the height of the fractional distillation setup. Special variations also have a vacuum adapter or may include an outer glass cylinder (jacket), allowing air/fluid circulation or, to aid in insulation, an outer vacuum jacket.

Availability

Vigreux columns can be bought from lab suppliers or online. They are available at different lengths. The longer the column, the better the phase separation is.

Uses

• Fractional distillation

See also

• Fractionating column

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• fractional distillation
• Vigreaux column disadvantages
• Vigreux Column w/ side arm vs without - does it effect performance?
• Using a Vigreux column as an air cooled condenser?
• Vigreux and reflux column combo. Custom piece
• Broken Vigreux Column