What Is a Melting Point Determination Apparatus?
A melting point determination apparatus is a device that allows you to heat a solid sample filled in a capillary tube in a solution and visually check how the sample changes state. It consists of a glass container, thermometer, capillary tube, solvent, heater, and magnifying glass. Since the sample can be observed while looking at the thermometer, the relationship between temperature and the sample can be evaluated.
A melting point determination apparatus is mainly used for the purpose of measuring melting and decomposition points. They are also used to analyze the purity of samples.
Uses of a Melting Point Determination Apparatus
A melting point determination apparatus, as the name suggests, can be used to measure the melting point of solid samples. In addition to that, you can also observe how the sample shrinks or decomposes.
By measuring the melting point of a substance, the heat resistance of the sample can be evaluated. It is also used to identify substances after organic synthesis, since the melting points of the same substance are almost identical. If the sample contains impurities, there will be a deviation from the melting point of the pure substance. This property can be used to check the purity of a reagent.
Principle of a Melting Point Determination Apparatus
A melting point determination apparatus is a device that allows the simultaneous visual observation of temperature and sample state changes while gradually heating a small amount of sample in solution. The melting or decomposition of a sample can be observed, allowing the melting or decomposition point to be measured.
A melting point determination apparatus consists of a glass container, thermometer, capillary tube, solvent, heater, and magnifying glass. After placing a solid sample in the capillary tube, it is set in the melting point determination apparatus. Silicon oil is commonly used as the heating solvent. While the oil is heated by the heater, the sample is observed in the capillary through the magnifying glass.
The rate at which the oil is heated can be controlled to some extent. Care should be taken not to raise the temperature too fast, as this will result in a large measurement error.