Question

Define reflux in an experimental chemistry context. At what point is a reaction mixture considered to be "at reflux"?

Answer 1

Reflux

In Experimental chemistry, Reflux is a technique in which solvent is converted into vapors under heating condition and generated vapors are condensed and returned to the same flask as condensate from where it originated. This technique is used in the industrial and laborotary distillations. Above the boiling point of any solvent, the reaction mixture is considered to be reflux because above boiling point, vaporization of solvent occurs very rapidly which is returned back to the same flask by condensation through condesor.