Question

2) What is the difference between spilling solid KOH on your skin, and spilling a solution of KOH in triethyleneglycol? 3) Why should you always monitor a sand bath with an external thermometer, as well as the temperature recorded by the hotplate?

Answer 1

Solid KOH will corrode the skin but a solution of KOH in triethyleneglycol will not.

The temperature is monitored with an external thermometer also because the sand looses some heat to energy exchange with the surrounding.

Step-by-step explanation:

KOH is a deliquescent solid which is very corrosive upon contact with skin. Its solution in an organic liquid is not corrosive.

Secondly, when exposed to the surrounding, heat is lost according to the laws of thermodynamics.