Melting Point Determination - The Mel-Temp

Place a small amount of sample on a watch glass and crush it into a fine powder using a scoopula. The fine powder consistency allows the sample to be easily loaded into the capillary tube.

Dab the open end of the capillary tube into the fine powder sample to draw material up into the tube, aiming for 1-2 millimeters of sample depth.

Gently tap the loaded capillary tube on the bench to move the sample down into the bulb at the bottom of the tube.

Place the long glass tubing vertically on a solid surface and drop the capillary tube (rounded end down) through it multiple times to compact the substance at the bottom.

Insert the 400°C thermometer into the top gray shaft of the Mel-Temp device, then place the packed capillary tube into one of the three slots in front of the thermometer entrance.

Ensure the power level is at zero, then press the on switch to activate the device and internal light. Set the power level to 6-7 for rapid initial heating.

Watch the thermometer reading and decrease the power level to 3-4 as you approach the expected melting temperature range to slow the rate of temperature increase.

Observe the sample through the viewing chamber and record the first appearance of liquid as the start of the melting range, then record the complete disappearance of solid as the end of the melting range.