A supercritical fluid is a state of matter that occurs when a substance is above its critical temperature and pressure, where it exhibits properties of both liquids and gases. This unique state allows supercritical fluids to be used in various applications, such as extraction, chromatography, and as solvents, due to their enhanced solvating power and tunable density.

Supercritical Fluid

supercritical fluid

state of matter

Critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, regardless of pressure, marking the end of the liquid-gas phase boundary. Above this temperature, the substance becomes a supercritical fluid, exhibiting unique properties that are distinct from typical liquid or gas states.

critical temperature

Critical pressure is the minimum pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature, beyond which the substance cannot exist as a liquid regardless of the pressure applied. It is a fundamental property in thermodynamics that helps determine the behavior of substances in various states of matter and is crucial for understanding phase transitions and the design of industrial processes.

Critical Pressure

Properties of liquids

Properties of gases

unique state

Supercritical fluids applications

Extraction refers to the process of separating a desired substance from a complex mixture, often using physical or chemical methods. It is a fundamental technique in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science, facilitating the isolation and analysis of specific components for further study or utilization.

extraction

Chromatography is a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture into its individual components, based on the differential partitioning between the mobile and stationary phases. It is widely used in analytical chemistry for purifying substances and analyzing complex mixtures, such as in pharmaceuticals and environmental testing.

chromatography

Solvents are substances that dissolve a solute, resulting in a solution, and are essential for various chemical processes due to their ability to facilitate reactions and transport substances. They are classified based on their polarity, volatility, and ability to dissolve specific solutes, playing crucial roles in industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and cleaning.

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons