separatory-funnel-1
also known as separation funnel, separating funnel, or colloquially sep funnel, is a piece of laboratory glassware used in liquid-liquid extractions to separate (partition) the components of a mixture between two immiscible solvent phases of different densities. Typically, one of the phases will be aqueous, and the other a non-polar lipophilic organic solvent such as ether, MTBE,dichloromethane, chloroform, or ethyl acetate. Most organic solvents float on top of an aqueous phase, though important exceptions are most halogenated solvents.
disadvantags of separating
The separation of phases may be not extremely accurate.
When you are mixing reagents in a separatory funnel it is important to vent it frequently and do so in a manner so that is it is not venting towards anyone. Also be sure to remove the stopper when emptying the lower layer.
the apparatus used is separating funnel for liquids
The most common method is the distillation; for immiscible liquids use a separatory funnel.
A funnel support is used to place a funnel accurately into a container or beaker or maybe even a flask in order to concentrate the flow of liquid into the container which happens through the funnel
Assuming you are in a lab with access to glassware, any container can be used as a sep funnel, really. When separating the layers, you must carefully decant the top layer (very difficult) or use a pipette to pipette out the bottom layer (very time consuming but possible).
None of them. One way would be to use a distillation apparatus.
differences in the density of solvents allow the separation of two phases..Organic solvents like CH2Cl2, CHCl3 having higher density than water remains at the lower part of separatory funnel which can be easily collected via the stopcock at the end of funnel. *extracting solvent shouldn't be miscible with water, otherwise there will be no separation despite of differences in their densities
- Ability to separate at least two immiscible liquids from each others. - It can be operated easily and rapidly - It is transparent to observe different layers easily. - The upper layer or the lower layer can be selectively removed. The upper layer is removed by the stopper and the lower by the stopcock.
A funnel is traditionally used.
If the stopper is left in place while liquid is draining a vacuum will be created in the separatory funnel and outside air will try to get in. The only way it can do this is through the opening that the liquid is trying to leave. The air pushes against the liquid and will greatly reduce or even stop its flow. If the stopper is removed no vacuum is created because the air can easily get in the top of the funnel.