I can also add to the mix their one “educated” team lead was TERRIFIED to use any kind of heat in this process. Their reactor didn’t have the jacket hooked up for any kind of temperature control, and same with the condenser. (SAFETY?)
I taught them how to do a proper reflux in the reactor which is wildly valuable beyond just this method.
But you should’ve seen the carnage from their previous employee blowing the lid off the reactor. Sheeeeeesh. I wouldn’t even blame him it’s clear he didn’t have the resources and support he needed.
Oh and also they were using tap water for their water washes 