Azeotropy

/eɪˈziːɒtrəpi/ noun

Definition

A property of liquid mixtures where two or more substances boil together at a constant temperature and composition, acting as if they were a single pure substance.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'zeo' (boil) + 'tropos' (turning). The term was coined in chemistry to describe mixtures that don't separate even at their boiling point, defying normal expectations.

Kelly Says

Azeotropic mixtures are chemical rebels—normally when you boil a mixture, the components separate, but azeotropes stubbornly stay together, which is why you can't make pure ethanol by just boiling wine, no matter how long you try!

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