Definition

A mixture of two or more liquids that has a constant boiling point and composition, meaning it behaves the same way when it turns into vapor as it does in liquid form.

Example

The azeotrope of ethanol and water cannot be separated by simple distillation.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term azeotrope?

Yeah, I think it refers to a mixture that boils at a constant temperature, right?

Exactly! It’s fascinating how it maintains the same composition when it evaporates.

I know, right? Chemistry has some really cool concepts like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Azeotrope → It is formed from "a-" (meaning not) and "zein" (from Greek, meaning to boil) and "tropos" (from Greek, meaning turning). The word describes a mixture that does not change its boiling point during distillation, hence it does not boil differently or 'turn' when heated.

Memory Tip

Think of a mixture that does not 'boil' ('zein') differently, which is why it is called an azeotrope.

Visually Confused Words