[smithbryanf2]

Hi everyone,
I'm working on a reflux experiment, and in order to ensure that none of the vapor escapes out the top of my 300 mm liebig condenser( i want to be absolutely sure), I'm interested in cooling the condenser water.

Besides Ice cubes, is there anything that you use to help in this process?  I've sort of been thinking about keeping dry ice around...

Thanks in advance for your input.

[baum0372]

Usually the lab water that circulates through is plenty to keep all the solvent in the reaction.  The problem in many of my refluxes is solvent escaping through the glass joints.  I always apply grease to the joints to ensure that the solvent vapors don't escape.  If you really want to be sure, you can place a suba seal on top of the condenser with a needle in it to equalize the pressure.  Smaller hole on top = less exchange with surrounding air.  This should be plenty of protection for a reflux, even if it is to last a week!