Concept:
Glycerol is obtained as a by-product during soap manufacture (saponification). It is mixed with water and impurities in spent-lye. Since glycerol has a high boiling point and decomposes at high temperature, special separation methods are required.
Step 1: Nature of glycerol
• High boiling point liquid
• Non-volatile under normal conditions
• Decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure
Step 2: Suitable separation method
To avoid decomposition, boiling temperature must be reduced → achieved by reducing pressure.
Step 3: Conclusion
Hence glycerol is purified using:
\[
\text{Distillation under reduced pressure (vacuum distillation)}
\]