How do you describe the process of recrystallisation to purify a product?

When describing the process of recrystallisation, it is important that every step is mentioned. Firstly, the impure product must be dissolved in a minimum amount of hot solvent. The hot solution should then be filtered to remove any insoluble impurities. The remaining solution should then be allowed to cool and crystallise before filtering away any soluble impurities that remained in the solution. The crystals should then be washed in a small amount of cold solvent and left to dry. It is important that specific terminology is used when describing this process, such as mentioning that a minimum amount of hot solvent is used, as this keeps the yield of pure product as high as possible. It is also important to mention which type of impurities are removed at each stage.

CR
Answered by Chris R. Chemistry tutor

13621 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Draw the shape of an SF6 and SF4 molecule, indicating bond angles and any lone pairs which may influence these. What shape is the SF6 molecule?


Describe two different test tube reactions to identify the following organic compounds: propanal and benzoic acid.


What is enthalpy and how can it be calculated?


By comparing the forces involved, explain why hydrogen iodide (HI) would have a higher boiling point than hydrogen bromide (HBr)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning