I don’t know what the exact procedure you are planning to use, but a simple solution comes to mind.

First, let me suggest that you perform the cracking using the apparatus described in DOI: 10.1021/ed064p726. (You may wish to switch the hose attached to the bottom nipple of the fractionating column to the top one.  The distillation may go faster.)  It is simpler to set up and to use.  Cyclopentadiene has an unpleasant odor and this system reduces the escape of the vapor.

In answer to your actual question, let me suggest that you have the maleic anhydride dissolved in ethyl acetate in the receiver flask of the distillation apparatus.  This will assure that the cyclopentadiene will be added drop-wise.  If needed, you can also cool the receiver flask in a water bath or an ice/water bath (or even an acetone/ice bath).  There is some advantage to having the condenser of the distillation apparatus above the receiver flask to act as a reflux condenser IF you add a glass tube that rises vertically above the condenser inserted immediately after the take-off adapter and then going to the filter flask.  (A short section of PVC tubing is probably preferable to rubber tubing for this purpose.)  The filter flask can be held near the end of the glass tube on a ring stand.

(While it is common to block the nipples of the fractionating column, DO NOT DO THAT with the recommended apparatus—it will change the system to a vacuum distillation.  You want the air flow unrestricted.)

If I have been unclear, please feel free to contact me privately, bruekberg**At_Symbol_Here**chm.uri.edu.

Thank you very much,

Ben  

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas