Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: CrazyGoat on January 11, 2021, 04:50:45 AM
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Hello,
For cooling the reflux column I have seen 2 ways.
One is with tap water, you connect the hose to the tap and let it running while the reaction lasts.
Another is using a recirculating chiller.
My question is about not using either but is very similar to the recirculating chiller (which I can't afford at this moment)
It would be for refluxing a solution of DCM or n-hexane.
My idea is, putting ice in a barrel and using a pump. (and obviously recirculate that water)
I do this because the reaction may last days and I don't want to expend that amount of water nor ethically or economically...
Before you tell me the water will heat up quickly I have to tell you that I will let the barrel in the outside, making the hose go through the window, and currently is snowing.
Maybe this works for the DCM but not the hexane?
Thank you!!
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I think that will work just fine. I use a cooling-device designed for aquarium and circulate the coolingwater i use for my rotavapor through that. But is there really any idea to reflux DCM, the bp is so low?
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Yes, that is because I talk about days, it will be really slow-cooked. And even trying the reaction to room temp I would lose the material by evaporation so making the reflux at least let you not losing material.
thank you for your answer.
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You can use a stopper on the flask, then it does not evaporate? You can also heat the flask carefully without the reflux condenser.
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yes, but probably I will go with the hexane.
thank you.