Simple esterification question (1 Viewer)

[porcupinetree]

When describing a procedure to prepare an ester by refluxing, it is important that the source of heat be a hotplate (instead of a Bunsen burner)? It is apparently too dangerous to use a Bunsen burner, due to the volatility and flammability of the alkanol, and the naked flame of the burner.
I ask because I have typically answered questions with the Bunsen burner method, but am wondering if it is a better choice to answer questions with the hot plate method.
Thanks

 

[rohanbalani]

If you do use a bunsen burner, you need to place the round bottom flask in a water bath. The point of the hot plate/water bath is to provide indirect heat to ensure the products done catch fire because they are flammable.

 

[Ekman]

I've always been taught to use a hotplate with a water bath for esterification

 

[someth1ng]

Use a hotplate for everything. You'll find out that you never touch a Bunsen burner once you get past first year university chemistry. Way too many organic solvents are flammable and so the risk is very high when using a Bunsen burner.