Reflux condenser

Apparatus for carrying out chemical reactions at the boiling point of the solvent used: (1) Allihn or spherical cooler ; (2) bracket; (3) round bottom flask ; (4) patio heater ; (5) Laborboy (lifting platform)

Many chemical reactions involve heating reaction mixtures in solvents . Often the reaction is carried out at the boiling point of the solvent used. To prevent the solvent from leaving the reaction vessel (e.g. round bottom flask ), a glass reflux condenser is placed vertically on the apparatus, see figure. The solvent vapors formed by the heating or the heat of reaction condense on the cooling surfaces and drip back into the reaction mixture. Tap water is almost always used as the coolant in the reflux condenser ; air cooling is only possible with extremely high-boiling solvents that have a boiling point above 150 ° C.

Soxhlet apparatus also contain reflux condensers.

Different types of reflux condenser are described in the article Laboratory cooler .

Individual evidence

1. ^ Walter Wittenberger: Chemische Laboratoriumstechnik , Springer-Verlag, Vienna, New York, 7th edition, 1973, p. 161, ISBN 3-211-81116-8 .