What the point of a reflux used in Chemistry?

[exacto]

Is it to have the mixture thoroughly react without losing any liquid? I tried searching for it but i couldn't get a clear concise use for doing a reflux vs just heating it and stirring normally?

not a reflux distillation, just a reflux.

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[Cawolf]

Yes. So you can boil a solution without losing much volume.

Instead of the volatile compounds evaporating away they condense and fall back into the flask so you can heat for extended time.

I actually just used one in organic lab to boil a mixture of organic compounds to form alkyl chlorides. I refluxed for 40 minutes and had almost no volume loss.

edit: If you want to find it online look for "reflux condenser".

 

[exacto]

Yeah that's what i figured, Thanks!.

I actually just did it in my organic lab as well today,thats why i asked haha...