What are the most common experimental errors in distillation?
Placing the thermometer too high will lead to a low value for boiling point – be sure all the mercury in the bulb is below the sidearm of the still head. Inadequately clamping the apparatus can be dangerous. Over clamping can be a problem, since it causes stress in the apparatus. Refer to the Distillation section for detail on clamping the apparatus in place and clamping the pieces together. It is especially important to tighten the nut which keeps the utility clamp from rotating. Check that the joints are well greased and that all the joints are seated before turning on the thermowell. Remember to turn on the cooling water. Remember to use boiling chips.
