PAA+Acet. Anhydride+NaAcet.--->P2P question

[pink_dust_angel]

the following is an extract  from the
acetic anhydride+Na+acetate+PAA ---> P2P
        
"Formation of the ketone is controlled by mixing an aliquot of the reaction mixture with excess of water and ammonium hydroxide until weakly alkaline – upon heating to boiling the oily layer must not disappear"

i dont really understand what this involves.does it mean u have to take a small portion out and mix it with the NH4OH
or am i missing something?
also as a side question to save opening another post would a 40cm condensor be ok for a 250ml flask for distilling or would the distillate just condense in the tube?