The various differences between distillation and fractional distillation is tabulated below:
| Distillation | Fractional Distillation |
| Distillation is a process used to separate liquids with boiling points which comprises of gaps around 50 degrees at least. | Fractional Distillation is a process used to separate liquids with closer boiling points |
| The process doesn’t have to be repeated to obtain pure components | The process has to be repeated several times to obtain pure components |
| The experimental set up is simple. Needs a simple apparatus with two simple flasks and a condenser | The experimental set up is complex. We need a complex apparatus with a fractioning column |
| This technique can be used to separate a solvent from solute | This technique cannot be used to separate a solvent from solute |
| Used in the purification of seawater | Used in crude oil refining |