To set up a reaction involving reflux:

 

First, set up the condenser. You will need two lengths of Tygon tubing that are long enough to reach the sink from where the ringstand is.

 

 

Remove the aspirator and carefully insert the inlet hose. This will be tough.

 

 

Next, thread the outlet hose through the drain cover and put that back on the drain.

 

 

Attach the inlet and outlet hoses to the condenser and arrange the parts as shown.

 

 

Did you remember to put the hoses on the correct way? Also note that the O-ring will be easier to seat if it is on the ground glass joint of the condenser.

 

 

Next, assemble the drying tube. YouÕll need some cotton (about as big a piece as shown) and a dessicant (sodium sulfate, in this case).

 

 

The result should look like this.

 

 

Get a small three-finger clamp, a heating plate and an aluminum block. Find the appropriate size hole to put the vial/condenser setup in place and clamp the assembly. Be careful picking up the vial/condenser as the vial may slip off the condenser.