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 (usually made of metal). Water and silicone oil are the most commonly used fluids. A water bath is used for temperatures up to 100 ðC. An oil bath is employed for temperatures above 100 ðC.
The heated bath is heated on an electric hot plate, or with a Bunsen burner. The reaction vessel (Florence flask, Erlenmeyer flask, or beaker) is immersed in the heated bath. A thermometer is usually kept in the fluid to monitor the temperature.