The simplest and most popular way to screw up this reaction method, is easy to do and easy to fix. Is the addition of too much water.
I know we think of a reaction as being wet, but this reaction must be started out dry, it gsts wetter as time goes on.,
How dry is dry
When the E and I2 and RP are put together it should be so dry and thick of a mud that when you roll the flask slowly the reactants barely move at room temperature. within a minute the reactants will begin to fire off. At this point you can roll the flask slowly and the mud begins to flow and mix together, you will feel the heat being generated through the flask. Keep rolling the flask you will notice that rollong it slows the reaction dowm.
If none of this has happened and the reactants are still stuck to the flask and look dry add a small amount of water, if doing under 1/2 ounce you might add four drops of water. If doing over 2 ounces add 2 ml of water.
If the reactants flow while you roll the flask, but there is no white fog or heat or bubblingm then give it a blast of heat, until it bubbles.
Once it is mixed and the smoke is starting to escape from the flask. then put on your stopper and hose.
Cold reaction
In the cold reaction. you are done for now, just keep it warm and mic it when you get a chance over the next few days.
fast reaction
In the fast reaction, when the bubblimg dies down, add heat, until it gets all turbulent and blows gas(185 F) After the gas expands it sucks it back in violently . you are done with the reaction. let it cool. add water bring it to a boil then fllter out the RP.
Too much water
If you added too much water, and did not see any of the reaction signs then gently heat it, without the stopper, until it boils. Maintain the boil with out the stopper for 1 to 4 hours until most of the excess water is gone. It will be a thick soup, that does not stick to the sides if the flask. When swirled it runs down the sides within a minute. At this point the reaction will be completed, add water bring to a boil and filter off the RP.