An azeotropic mixture that has a boiling point lower than its components is called a minimum boiling azeotrope. This occurs when:
- The intermolecular forces between different components are weaker than those in the pure liquids.
- This results in a higher vapor pressure and, consequently, a lower boiling point than either of the individual components.
- It occurs when the mixture exhibits a positive deviation from Raoult’s Law.
Example: Ethanol-Water mixture (boiling point 78.2°C) boils at a lower temperature than pure ethanol or pure water.