Sublimation

Sublimation. Many solids can be distilled in the same way as liquids; the application of heat transforms them into vapour. When the vapour comes into contact with a cold surface, a deposit of the solid occurs, which is known as a sublimate, and the process of direct conversion of vapour to solid is known as sublimation. Many substances are purified in this way - e.g. arsenious acid, sulphur, corrosive sublimate, etc.