Stopping the Stopper

[dctrax]

This is SWIM's first try outside of a beer bottle and she is seeing new things.

SWIM has a condensor in a rubber stopper in a 250ML flask.  The condensor is sealed fine, but the flask is venting a bit at the stopper.  Is there some secret to stopping the stopper to get a good seal?  The balloon is inflated so pressure is OK I guess.

Also, SWIM is getting little white beads collecting on the inside of her consensor, and hanging from the stopper like stalagtites.  What's that?

[ChemNewbie]

Try putting the stopper in the flask first, then insert the condenser for a tighter fit. Not sure about the crystal formations in the condenser, but I have seen them from time to time also. I think they may be some sort of iodine compound.

[Rhodium]

Phosphonium Iodide - PH₄I