Part 2: Dissolve and Filter

There are many types of filtration that one can do in a lab setting to separate solid from a liquid. You have mostly likely encountered a few different types in your lab already. Vacuum filtration is especially useful for separating solids from large amounts of liquid (> a few mL), and also allows you to keep your solid for further analysis. Vacuum filtration is also a good way to quickly dry your solid sample by continuously pulling air through the filter. Below is the typical set up of a vacuum filter.

Use a pipette to transfer the Excedrin slurry to the Hirsch funnel, including as much of the solids as possible. Allow the solution to drain through by gravity for 1 minute, and then briefly apply vacuum to finish the filtration. Rinse the large test tube with 1 mL of ethyl acetate, then transfer this rinse to the solids that remain in the Hirsch funnel. Stir the mixture with the tip of your pipette, then turn on the vacuum briefly to filter the solution. Repeat this with one more 1-mL rinse.