Quote: Originally posted by deltaH | Quote: | My problem was that when I cut the heat, but left the stirring on, the sodium was still too hot and all the tiny droplets joined into a massive clump.
I think the toluene idea, where it refluxes just above the MP of sodium, might be a better medium for this. Also, I think the viscosity of the mineral
oil actually played a part in forming larger globules. At elevated temps, it certainly was less viscous, but not enough. |
The solution to that is to simply quench it by pouring in cold solvent in one go while maintaining stirring, then remove from the hot plate.
[Edited on 4-2-2015 by deltaH] |
I thought about this, but didn't know if it could be safely done. I am aware that introducing cool water into very hot conditions can result in a
steam explosion, but I am not sure if mineral oil would react in a similar manner; maybe not an explosion, but blow back, perhaps?
EDIT: Also, now that I think about it, approximately 100C isn't likely to be an issue.
[Edited on 4-2-2015 by Loptr] |