The measurement of melting points is a relatively straightforward procedure that is carried out to determine the purity of a compound or to assist with its identification. A pure compound will melt over a relatively narrow temperature range, impurities both lower and widen the temperature range over which a compound melts. The apparatus used to measure melting points can be simple oil baths to ‘hot-stage’ apparatus where the melting process is observed with the aid of a microscope. In each case the range of temperatures at which a compound melts is recorded and compared with known data.

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The Interactive lab primer has been developed as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Fellowship Scheme titled ‘Chemistry for our Future’ in partnership with the University of Southampton, The University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham and The University of Sheffield

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