Vigreux column usage

[notta234]

SWIM is a newbee that is currently working his way through the Dr Drool MDMA synth. He has become rather fond of his vigreux column for two reasons. 1) is prevents any unwanted materials from "bumping" over into the condensor, and 2) it allows him to set his hotplate directly on the table, rather than on top of something else (so the receiver flask to above table height. SWIM is curious if he can use this column for all distillation processes that are used during the who synth. SWIM has seen where is is important to insulate glassware between the flask and condensor while distilling ketone, but has not yet got to this point. Should he lose the vigreux column unless he needs a fractional distialltion or when he makes the HCl gas generator, is it okay for him to continue using it?

Thanks!

[grandpa]

I strongly suggest that you read the following :

https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/chemistry/equipment/distillation4dummies.html

SWIM is curious if he can use this column for all distillation processes that are used during the who synth
Yes, but fractionnal distillation takes longer. If you go fast you will get no advantage over standart distillation, vigreux column will be simply useless.

SWIM has seen where is is important to insulate glassware between the flask and condensor while distilling ketone, but has not yet got to this point
Simply because un-insulated colum will act as a condenser and you will have too much reflux from there, especially at higher temperature distillation.(Read more about refluxing if needed)