Let's review the procedure.

 

  1. Place a sep funnel on an iron ring support. Make sure the stopcock is closed.
    Place an Erlenmeyer flask below.
  2. Add a solution to be extracted and an extraction solvent through a fluted funnel.
  3. Swirl gently.
  4. Insert the stopper, invert the sep funnel, and immediately open the stopcock to vent (release pressure).
  5. Close the stopcock and shake the sep funnel. Vent again. Repeat a couple of times.
  6. Place the sep funnel on the iron ring support. Remove the stopper.
  7. Allow the liquid layers to separate.
  8. Carefully open the stopcock to drain the bottom layer to the Erlenmeyer flask.


    --- To repeat an extraction ---
  9. If the upper layer is the solution to be extracted, leave it in the sep funnel. Add fresh extraction solvent and continue.
  10. If the bottom layer is the solution to be extracted, pour the upper layer from the sep funnel into another flask and return the bottom layer back into the sep funnel. Add fresh extraction solvent and continue.

 

  

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