The outcome can be observed after spectroscopic characterization of the resultant solution, as the two reagents should now have reacted to form a new product. Typically, various purification strategies will be required to separate the desired product from undesired side reactions.

In this example, a transesterification reaction between dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol has occurred to afford bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and methanol (Scheme 1). The refluxin

Performing reactions under reflux is an important technique to understand. Apart from providing a system whereby solvent and volatile reagents are recycled, it also allows fine control of reaction temperature, as this will be held constant at the boiling point of the chosen solvent. By careful choice of solvent, one can control the temperature within a very narrow range.

More advanced techniques can utilize refluxing solvents to perform sophisticated purification techniques such as Soxhlet ext