condensers are often used in reflux, where the hot solvent vapors of a liquid being heated are cooled and allowed to drip back. this reduces the loss of solvent allowing the mixture to be heated for extended periods. condensers are used in distillation to cool the hot vapors, condensing them into liquid for separate collection. for fractional distillation, an air or vigreux condenser is usually used to slow the rate at which the hot vapors rise, giving a better separation between the different components in the distillate. for microscale distillation, the apparatus includes the pot, and the condenser fused into one piece, which reduces the holdup volume, and obviates the need for ground glass joints preventing contamination by grease and precluding leaks.