Adapted from:
http://orgchem.colorado.edu/hndbksupport/meltingpt/mtfill.html
How to fill the melting point capillaries for the Mel-Temp
Pack the capillary tube by
putting the open end into the
compound to be analyzed so
that the crystals can fill
the open end of the melting
point capillary.
The compound at the open end
of the capillary tube should
be ~ 2-3 mm. Tap the bottom
of the capillary on a hard
surface so that the crystals
pack well into the column.
Then, drop the capillary tube down a length of a hollow glass
tube that is dry, so that the crystals can pack
well at the bottom of the melting capillary. You
may need to repeat this process so as to pack your
solid well in the capillary (air pickets inside the
solid will depress the melting point of your
solid!)
Gently put the tube into the slot behind the
eyepiece on the Mel-Temp. Make sure the instrument
is turned on.
Once you finish the experiment, turn off instrument
and then dispose the used melting point capillary
in the red melting capillary disposal containers
that are found in the front counters of the labs. DO NOT THROW
AWAY USED CAPILLARIES IN THE TRASH CANS!!!!