Steam distillation is essential in catalysis for several reasons:
Protection of Catalysts: Many catalysts are sensitive to high temperatures. Steam distillation allows the separation of products without exposing the catalyst to conditions that may deactivate it. Efficiency: It provides an efficient way to separate and recycle catalysts and reactants, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the catalytic process. Purity: It helps in obtaining highly pure products, which is crucial for subsequent catalytic reactions.