Removing impurities from phenethyl alcohol

[easypeasyac]

Hello;
I have a liter of phenethyl alcohol. Pure and high quality phenethyl alcohol should have a very pleasant rose and honey scent. Unfortunately, the one I have has an unpleasant chemical, bitter and metallic scent in addition to the rose scent. According to my research, it is a common situation in impure synthetic phenethyl alcohol samples.

What I want to learn is whether it is possible to purify phenethyl alcohol and remove unwanted odors with a simple distillation system?
Thank you.

[Benzene]

A simple distillation system (e.g. a Liebig condenser) can be used to purify phenethyl alcohol and remove unwanted odours. Distillation is an extensive laboratory process for purifying liquids: unwanted impurities and odours can be removed from phenethyl alcohol.
The Liebig condenser is a common type of condenser used in distillation to cool the evaporated liquid and condense it back to a liquid, allowing the purified substance to be collected.
Pay attention: Contaminated or crude phenethyl alcohol can be purified to a high purity suitable for use as perfume by azeotropic distillation (Liebig condenser) with water, alkylene glycols or their ethers, or by extractive distillation with glycerol, alkylene glycols, polyalkylene glycols or their ethers.
To determine the suitability of a Liebig condenser for azeotropic distillation, consideration should be given to specific requirements, laboratory set-up and cost/resources. Careful evaluation of these factors will help to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach for your application.

[easypeasyac]

Hello and thank you for your reply.

No codes or broken links

I can supply it from the kit in the link. Do you think this simple setup is sufficient? Some sources state that fractional distillation is essential for phenylethyl alcohol distillation.

[easypeasyac]

Opps sorry;

When I try to add the link as a url, it gives an error. The correct link is as follows:

No codes

[Benzene]

I have seen the distillation apparatus at the link; it is very simple and basic.
Since the boiling point is so high (boiling point = 219 to 221°C), distillation can be difficult and even dangerous in certain cases. In order to prevent incidents, the elevated boiling point necessitates attention to safety procedures and specific equipment.
In my humble opinion, only fractional distillation is sufficient for achieving a good purification. I found this article in which there are interesting insights; have a look below
No codes

[easypeasyac]

@Benzene thank you. I did some more research. I think a distillation setup with a Vigreux column and a Liebig condenser seems like the ideal one. What do you think?

Also, if possible, do you have the chance to review the relevant link? The procedure seems much easier.

No codes

[Benzene]

@easypeasyac: A Vigreux column, in combination with a Liebig condenser, is a classic set for fractional distillation. I recommend it.
I believe the moderator removed the link (code) because it broke some forum rules. The link was to a patent description.

Kind regards,
Benzene

[easypeasyac]

Hello; Thank you for your reply. I will get Vigreux column + Liebig condenser
I don't think there is a problem with the patent, because the relevant patent is in lifetime-expired status and is available for everyone to use. Patent number is EP0366842A₁. Can you please check it if possible.

[Benzene]

I have now found the patent number 0 366 842 B₁. You can download the pdf.

[easypeasyac]

I have now found the patent number 0 366 842 B₁. You can download the pdf.

Yes I already have it.
One more question? What size vigreux column should I choose? I have the option from 200 mm to 600 mm.

[Benzene]

A 200 mm Vigreux column, with its many deep, pointed indentations in the side wall, is a good choice to start with if the alcohol is not too dirty.

[easypeasyac]

Hello @Benzene;
I just ordered 500 mm Vigreux column. The price difference between the 200 and 500 was almost negligible.

[Benzene]

Hello easypeasyac!

Good luck with your work!
Kind regards,
Benzene