Retort

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A retort is an old type of lab glassware device used for distillation or dry distillation of substances.

General

The retort consists of a spherical or round vessel with a long downward-pointing neck. The liquid to be distilled is placed in the vessel and heated. The neck acts as a condenser, allowing the vapors to condense and flow along the neck to a collection vessel placed underneath.

Retorts were widely used by alchemists and early modern chemists. They are rarely used today, but there are a few reactions they can be useful for, for example, distilling nitric acid from nitrate salts.

Availability

Retorts can be purchased online or from lab suppliers.

DIY retort

A simple retort can be made by heating a glass spherical bottle using a torch and stretching its "neck". A hole is made on the top, which can be closed with a stopper. If you're skilled enough, a ground glass stopper from a broken glassware can be welded onto the glass.

Retorts can also be made from metal, copper or brass being the most commonly used materials.

Projects

See also

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads