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Apparatus Kit
Liquid-Liquid Extraction Apparatus
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Extraction & Separation · Liquid-Liquid Extraction Apparatus

Liquid-Liquid Extraction Apparatus

Pear-Shaped Separatory Funnel · PTFE Stopcock · Iron Stand

Liquid-liquid extraction is one of the most common separation methods in the lab — it uses differences in solubility to transfer a target compound from one immiscible solvent to another. The separatory funnel is the tool for the job: add your aqueous and organic phases, shake, let the layers separate, and drain them out. Natural product isolation, organic synthesis workup, pharmaceutical sample prep — it's everywhere. Made from borosilicate glass 3.3 with a PTFE stopcock — no grease needed, corrosion-resistant, leak-free.

Separatory Funnel / Iron Stand …Component
250ml, pear-shaped, PTFE stopcock / 6×9", 24" rod …Standard Spec
125ml 500ml 1000ml Spherical/Cylindrical / Heavy-duty base …Upgrade Options
1 – 2Qty

Specifications are subject to confirmation with your enquiry.

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Borosilicate Glass 3.3 PTFE Stopcock · No Grease · Corrosion-Resistant Pear/Spherical/Cylindrical Options Complete Setup · Ready to Use

📐 Selection Guidelines: Choose a separatory funnel at least double the volume of your total liquid — total volume should not exceed 2/3 of the funnel capacity. Extraction solvent volume is typically about 1/3 of the aqueous phase. 125ml or 250ml are the most common sizes for routine work — go up to 500ml or 1L for larger batches (50-100g scale). For solvents lighter than water (ether, ethyl acetate), use a pear-shaped funnel; for solvents heavier than water (dichloromethane, chloroform), pear or cylindrical both work.

  • Size recommendations — 125ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1L — matched to your extraction volume
  • Borosilicate Glass 3.3 — chemically resistant, crystal clear
  • PTFE Stopcock — no grease needed, acid/base/organic resistant, leak-free
  • Pear-shaped design — better layer separation control
  • Complete setup — funnel, stand, funnel holder, beakers, all included

BRAND IDENTITY

Vissal® brand wordmark RichTech company logo

Vissal® is RichTech's own brand; RichTech is the company mark. Both are used together for this product's brand identification.

We will follow up on your inquiry as soon as possible. Custom sizes supported Samples available

Specifications

Specifications

Component List

All components listed below are included in this kit. Items marked Optional can be customized.

Request custom specs
Component Standard Spec Upgrade Options Qty Link
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.
📌 Customization Notes:
• Funnel capacity: 125ml, 250ml (standard), 500ml, 1000ml
• Shape: Pear-shaped (standard), Spherical, Cylindrical — pear is best for extraction
• Stopcock: PTFE (standard), Glass — PTFE is recommended for extraction
• Mix and match — no minimum order quantity
• Special requirements? Just ask our technical team
💡 Recommended Add-Ons: Erlenmeyer flasks (for organic layer collection) · Graduated cylinders · Droppers · Rubber bands (to secure the stopcock)

Product Description

I. What is Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Liquid-liquid extraction (also called solvent extraction) works on a simple principle: a compound has different solubilities in two immiscible solvents. You add the solution containing your compound and an extraction solvent to a separatory funnel, shake to mix, and the compound transfers from one solvent to the other. After the layers separate, you drain the layer containing your compound — that's extraction.

The core concept is "like dissolves like" — polar compounds go to the aqueous phase, non-polar compounds go to the organic phase. Which layer you keep depends on your target compound.

✦ Extraction vs Washing:

Extraction: Transferring your target from solvent A to solvent B — you keep what moves.
Washing: Using a solvent to remove impurities from your product solution — you keep what stays.
Same operation, different goal.

II. What's in the Setup

  • Separatory Funnel — Core component; pear, spherical, or cylindrical options
  • Iron Stand — Supports the funnel
  • Funnel Holder (Ring) — Secures the funnel
  • Beakers (receiving vessels) — Collect lower and upper layers
  • Glass Stopper — Seals the top opening

III. Choosing the Right Funnel Shape

Separatory funnels come in three shapes, each with a different purpose:

  • Pear-Shaped — The standard for extractions. Short neck, tapered body — the layer interface is smaller, making it easier to control when draining. This is what you want for extraction.
  • Spherical — Round body with a long neck. Used primarily for dropwise addition in gas generation setups — not for extraction.
  • Cylindrical — Straight body. Good for large-volume extractions and solvents heavier than water.

IV. Stopcock Material

  • Glass Stopcock — Traditional design — requires grease (Vaseline) for lubrication. Drawbacks: grease can contaminate samples, and organic solvents can dissolve the grease.
  • PTFE Stopcock — Modern standard. No grease needed, acid/base/solvent resistant, excellent seal — PTFE is the clear choice for extraction.

V. Material & Workmanship

The separatory funnel is made from borosilicate glass 3.3 — chemically resistant and transparent. The PTFE stopcock is precision-machined for smooth operation and a reliable seal. Both the stopper and stopcock are standard ground joints for a tight fit.

Applications

Typical Applications

Natural Product Isolation

Extracting active compounds from plant materials

Organic Synthesis Workup

Extraction, washing, and purification of reaction mixtures

Pharmaceutical Analysis

Extracting drugs and metabolites from biological samples

Environmental Monitoring

Extracting organic pollutants from water samples

Food Testing

Extracting pesticide residues and additives

Teaching Labs

Core organic and analytical chemistry experiments

TargetAqueous PhaseOrganic Phase (Extractant)Organic Density
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.
Sample VolumeRecommended Funnel SizeNotes
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.
Operation & Maintenance

User Guide

Liquid-liquid extraction looks simple, but the details determine your recovery. Here are the key points.

🚨 Three rules to remember:
① Remove the stopper before draining — otherwise nothing comes out
② Vent after shaking — low-boiling solvents build up pressure
③ Don't throw away any layer until you're sure — keep both until you know which one has your compound

03

I. Before You Start

  • Check for leaks: close the stopcock, add water, check the stopcock and stopper for leaks
  • If you have a glass stopcock, apply a thin layer of grease and rotate it a few times — PTFE stopcocks don't need grease
  • Choose a funnel at least double the volume of your total liquid
04

II. Adding Liquids

  • Close the stopcock and place the funnel in the stand
  • Add your aqueous solution and extraction solvent through the top opening
  • Total volume should not exceed 2/3 of the funnel capacity — leave room for mixing
05

III. Shaking

  • Insert the stopper firmly — the side groove must be offset from the vent hole to prevent leaks
  • Hold the funnel with one hand on the stopper and the other on the stopcock
  • Invert and shake to mix the two phases thoroughly
  • Critical: Vent the funnel — after a few shakes, invert the funnel, point the tip up and away from yourself and others, and slowly open the stopcock to release pressure. Low-boiling solvents and bicarbonate extractions (which release CO₂) are especially risky. Repeat shake-vent cycles 3～5 times until pressure is minimal.
06

IV. Letting the Layers Separate

  • Return the funnel to the stand and let it sit until the two phases are completely separated with a clear interface
  • Separation time depends on the solvent system — typically 3～5 minutes
  • Not sure which layer is which? Add a drop of water — it will mix with the aqueous layer and form droplets in the organic layer
06

V. Draining

  • Remove the stopper first (or rotate it so the groove aligns with the vent hole) — the funnel won't drain if it's sealed
  • Drain the lower layer from the bottom into a beaker
  • Slow down as the interface approaches
  • Close the stopcock when the interface reaches it
  • Pour the upper layer out through the top into a separate beaker
  • Keep both layers until you're sure which one you need
06

VI. Multiple Extractions

  • One extraction is usually not enough — return the aqueous layer to the funnel and add fresh extraction solvent
  • Typically 2～3 extractions, combining the organic layers

📌 Why venting matters:

If you don't vent, pressure can blow the stopper or stopcock out, spilling your sample everywhere. Low-boiling solvents like ether and dichloromethane generate pressure quickly. Bicarbonate extractions produce CO₂ — even more pressure.

💡 From a Seasoned Lab Hand:

"Slow is fast" — drain slowly and control the interface. Rush it and you'll bring the upper layer down with the lower, and you'll have to start over.
Emulsion problems? — if the layers won't separate after shaking: ① Let it sit longer (overnight if needed); ② Add saturated brine; ③ Gently swirl the funnel horizontally; ④ As a last resort, centrifuge or filter.
Solvent densities to remember: ether 0.71, ethyl acetate 0.90 — lighter than water (top layer); dichloromethane 1.33, chloroform 1.48 — heavier than water (bottom layer).

Care & Notes

Show care & notes

⚠️ Safety & Compliance Checklist

Vent with the funnel pointed up and away from everyone

— organic solvent vapors are toxic and flammable

Low-boiling solvents (ether, dichloromethane) need frequent venting

— pressure builds up quickly

Work with organic solvents in a fume hood

, wear solvent-resistant gloves

Do not
  • Never heat a separatory funnel
  • Never use cracked glassware under pressure

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Liquid-Liquid Extraction ApparatusComponent Separatory Funnel / Iron Stand … Get a Quote