attached to the reactor vessel by means of a distillation head. A glass receiving vessel, fitted with a calcium chloride guard tube, is needed to collect the distillate (Fig 20.5).
An accurate chemical balance capable of measuring to 0.1g is required in order to weigh out the necessary reactants.
Distributors of this specialized glassware (eg. reaction vessels with Quickfit necks, double-surface condensers, distillation heads, guard tubes etc) are often required to inform authorities of ‘suspicious’ purchases. For this reason it can be helpful to know someone who has access to laboratory glassware and glass-blowing skills.
The manufacture of specialised equipment in stainless steel avoids some of these difficulties. The stainless reaction autoclave used in the ‘Single Shot’ process has been adapted from a coffee pot. This method has since been modified as problems with the process were realized. The equipment now used consists of:
• a stainless steel pressure reactor vessel with pressure and temperature monitor and stirring facility
• a stainless condenser used for reflux and solvent extraction • a stainless receiving container fitted with calcium chloride guard tubes
