Reflux heating

Temperature is one of the kinetic factors most often used to modify the rate of a chemical reaction.

Cooler temperatures will slow or stop a reaction. It is the function of the refrigerator that prevents rapid transformation (degradation) of food.

Conversely, a higher temperature can often accelerate the reaction rate. But we should take precautions. Prolonged heating may cause the complete evaporation of the solvent. If the ball is blocked, the gases would dangerously increase the pressure.

The animation shows a typical heater that can reflux heat  nbsp;a reaction mixture at constant pressure (atmospheric pressure), without loss of material (produced vapors are condensed and returned to the mixture).