Heated bath
A heated bath is used in the laboratory to allow a chemical reaction to occur at an elevated temperature.
In contrast to traditional Bunsen burners, heated baths use liquids to transfer heat to the reaction vessel. This is achieved using a high-boiling point liquid inside a thermally conducting bath. Water and silicone oil are the most commonly used fluids. A water bath is used for temperatures up to 100 °C. An oil bath is employed for temperatures above 100 °C.
The heated bath is heated on an electric hot plate, or with a Bunsen burner. The reaction vessel is immersed in the heated bath. A thermometer is usually kept in the fluid to monitor the temperature.