SWIM sees two possible issues Cloud-ster:
1. SWIS is using a different type of thermometer which can
make it's readings different (SWIM's tried an oven
thermometer - spring type, and a candy thermometer -
mercury type), and gotten two different readings 10
degrees apart!)
2. SWIS is reading a different type of oil then the
original experimentor.
3. there was water in SWIS oil to start with, SWIM's read
that that'll seriously fuck with things, even though
SWIS said that it came out during the reflux, SWIM would
have boiled it off ahead of time...SWIM figures SWIS has
almost got it, try again.
* disclaimer, keep in mind, SWIM's never actually done it
with KOH and CaO, but from what SWIM's read, it should
bee pretty straight forward...SWIM wishes it had some KOH
flakes
it's bee-n forced to buy large quantities of
the stuff
, and SWIM's broke
It tastes like burning!