In chemistry what does reflux mean?

Question

in organic chemistry what is the process of reflux, and what is its purpose?

Answer 1

If I remember from my A level chemistry, reflux is then a solution is heated in an open container. However, a condenser is fitted to the opening so any gas that escapes condenses and is not lost. It forms droplets on the inside of the condenser and trickles back in.

It is a safe way to heat a solution without any of it escaping or risking an explosion.

Answer 2

In process of distillation, a mixture of solvents(Say A) is heated from the bottom and fractions are collected form different top. If this process of continuous, the temperature of whole process keeps on increase even though it is regulated.

To control this temperature, small amout of reflux(which is again A) is added from the top.

So reflux is original mixture of solvent which is added from the top to control the temperature of the process at certain intervals of time. The reflux is very imporatant in crude oil refineries.