Why does an organic mixture being distilled using steam distillation never rise above 100 degrees Celsius?

1 answer

100 degrees C is the heat coming in. Water will stay at 100, boil, evaporate to steam, etc but the temperature will stay 100 until all of the water is gone. Steam distillation is not why it doesn't go above 100. Its the boiling point of water. Stick a Bunsen burner under the water and it still will not go above 100 UNTIL all of the water is gone.