Q: Can you do two melting point analyses using the same sample?

A: Use a fresh sample for each test.

Q: What if I'm not sure at what temperature my sample might melt?

A: Perform a preliminary melting point at a ramp rate of 10 degrees per minute. This will tell approximately the melting point. Using a fresh sample, then set the "start" on the Mel-Temp instrument about 10 degrees below the anticipated mp and take a final melting point range measurement using a ramp rate of 2 degrees/minute.

Q: Where do I dispose of the capillaries?

A: The solid waste jar or the broken glass waste in the lab.

©2001,2002 Daniel A. Straus