Glassware setup

The exact setup will vary depending what the Soxhlet is required to do, but in general the following steps apply:

1. Select an appropriate sized round-bottomed flask, Soxhlet, condenser and heat source.

2. Securely clamp the round bottomed flask containing solvent and stirrer bar or anti-bumping granules over the heat source. It is usually desirable to be able to remove the heat source at the end of the reaction, for example using a lab jack.

3. Fit the Soxhlet extractor to the round bottom flask and securely clamp in place around the top ground-glass joint.

4. Add the thimble containing the solid to the Soxhlet extractor. If there is an internal standard to add then this should be added to the thimble. Note that the thimble is porous, so if any liquids (eg standards which are liquids or solutions), ensure the thimble is in the extractor before adding these to avoid losing any.

5. Add the condenser to the top of the Soxhlet extractor.

6. Turn on water to the condenser and start the extraction.

7. Once the extraction is complete, turn off/remove the heat and allow to cool.

8. The glassware is dismantled in the reverse order to addition (condenser removed first, then the Soxhlet and finally the round-bottomed flask).

9. Liquid from the extractor can be added to the round bottomed flask which contains the extracted material.

Isolation is usually acheived by rotary evaporation, but will depend on what further steps are required and the volatility of any compounds isolated. Note stirrer bars or anti-bumping granules may need to be removed.