Heating Reactions

1. Most organic compounds can catch fire, (especially the solvents) so it is important to be careful when handling them (especially when heating them).

2. When you are heating a reaction, ensure that it is not a closed system because this will build up pressure very quickly and become a very dangerous situation very quickly.

3. Never leave a reaction that is being heated unattended.

4. If a reaction is exothermic, such as an acid-base reaction, it often needs to be done slowly to ensure that it does not get out of control (pay attention to the directions for catch phrases like “add dropwise”).