Question

why is the normal range of refluxes 140-150 degrees celsius?

Answer 1

Reflux is the process of giving the activation energy to the reaction through heating and in cases of reflux we dont just generally use 130-140 degree Celsius range, it depends on the boiling point of the solvent we have taken for the reaction. So, it totally depends on the solvent used. Assume that Acetone has a bp of 67 degree celsius, so we can have the reaction reflux at 75 degree- 80 degree celsius. This is how it works. In the process of reflux, we add a condenser (Preferably water flow), because of the reason that the acetone will vaporize and then leave all the heat and get condensed and the heat which is left by acetone is taken up by the reaction mixture. This is the principle of reflux!