Vacuum Distillation

Distillation performed under reduced pressure, allowing volatile compounds to evaporate at lower temperatures and preserving delicate aromatics.

Category

How It Works

By reducing atmospheric pressure in the still, the boiling points of aromatic compounds are lowered. This allows distillation at gentler temperatures, preserving heat-sensitive aromatics that would be destroyed by conventional distillation.

Parameters

Pressure level, temperature (lower than atmospheric distillation), duration

Best For

Delicate, heat-sensitive botanicals where aromatic preservation is critical

Comparison

Gentler than steam distillation — preserves more delicate top notes. A.I.R. uses vacuum distillation with dry steam.