Separating the two layers

Once the two immiscible liquids have been thoroughly shaken together, you are now ready to separate the two liquids.

Step 5. Drain the bottom layer (Click on the pictures to see the technique video) Make sure that the stopper has been removed from the top of the sep funnel. (If air cannot come in from the top, draining won't be smooth.) Carefully open the stopcock to drain the lower layer into a clean Erlenmeyer flask.

Step 6. Continue the extraction If you want to repeat the extraction, you place the solution to be extracted in the sep funnel, then add fresh extracting solvent.   (A) If the UPPER layer is the solution to be extracted further:   The sep funnel still contains the upper layer. Leave it there. Add fresh extraction solvent. Repeat the extraction process.

(Click on the pictures to see the technique video) (B) If the BOTTOM layer is the solution to be extracted further: You need to remove the upper layer remaining in the sep funnel first. Drain the layer into a clean Erlenmeyer flask and label the flask.

(Click on the pictures to see the technique video) Then return the bottom layer to the sep funnel (Remember to use a fluted funnel when transferring liquids!). Add fresh extracting solvent and repeat the extraction process.

The TOP layer is always poured out FROM THE TOP of the sep funnel,
whereas the BOTTOM layer is always drained FROM THE BOTTOM.