Why is steam distillation used to extract substance like limonene?
Steam distillation is used is because it lowers the pressure in the flask so that you don’t have to heat it as high; Using high temperatures as in ordinary distillation can decompose organic compounds such as limonene, so it’s best to avoid this. The boiling point of limonene is 176C (quite high), so using steam distillation is best as you don’t need to use as much heat.
