Distillation, if it is applicable, is the least expensive method for isolating and purifying a reaction product. It is especially useful for: (a) removal of solvents, (b) purification of an already nearly pure reaction product (rectification), and, (c) separation of several reaction products of different boiling points (fractional distillation).
According to the type of procedure, distillations are classified as: (I) distillation under ordinary pressure, (2) distillation under reduced pressure (vacuum distillation), or (3) distillation with steam.