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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: kciray on February 22, 2016, 12:53:19 PM

Title: Hot plate VS alcohol burner/gas burner
Post by: kciray on February 22, 2016, 12:53:19 PM

I'm doing experiments from book "Illustrated guide to Home Chemistry". In some laboratories author uses hot plate (for fully evaporate), in some - burners. Can I use alcohol burner for evaporation? Or why I can't use hot plate for all experiments? It's very safe and convenient.

Title: Re: Hot plate VS alcohol burner/gas burner
Post by: billnotgatez on February 22, 2016, 08:30:12 PM

Is this the resource you are using?

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science) 1st Edition
by Robert Bruce Thompson (Author)

ISBN-13: 063-6920514923
ISBN-10: 0596514921


As to your question --
At first blush I would use a hotplate anytime I could.
If I could afford it - I would use one with magnetic stirring ability.
A round bottom flask and others may present problems for hot plates.
Alcohol lamps may work sometimes but the temperature capabilities are not what is needed in all cases.
Open flames are problematic when using some solvents.
As an aside, I have tried using propane plumbers soldering torch and had problems with glassware handling it.

Title: Re: Hot plate VS alcohol burner/gas burner
Post by: P on February 23, 2016, 11:40:24 AM

Quote from: billnotgatez on February 22, 2016, 08:30:12 PM

A round bottom flask and others may present problems for hot plates.

meh - just stick it in an oil bath on the hotplate with a stirrer.

Title: Re: Hot plate VS alcohol burner/gas burner
Post by: billnotgatez on February 23, 2016, 04:25:57 PM

Quote from: P on February 23, 2016, 11:40:24 AM

... just stick it in an oil bath on the hotplate with a stirrer.

I like this