Organic chemistry: How do you operate a rotary evaporator?

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that is responsible for the study of the structure, properties, synthesis and reactivity of chemical compounds formed mainly by carbon and hydrogen, which may contain other elements, usually in small proportion as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon. That is, organic chemistry is the study of organic substances and compounds, being the constituent compounds of the different forms of living beings on our planet.

Among the instruments and equipment used in this discipline, we find the rotary evaporator a device used to remove or recover solvents at low pressure. Through this instrument it is possible to evaporate substances through the distillation process, to be condensed and finally separated into its components one by one, thanks to its specific boiling points.

What is the structure of a rotary evaporator?

The structure of a rotary evaporator consists of an electric motor that generates the rotation of a tube attached to a ground glass joint guide tube. The latter is coupled to a round-bottomed flask containing the solution. Maintaining a rotating motion, this flask is partially immersed in water. The system contains a refrigerant that circulates a liquid (water or antifreeze), resulting in condensation of the solvent, which is recovered in a collector. Among its main components are:

  • A round flask to collect the distilled material
  • A vacuum equipment to reduce the internal pressure of the equipment
  • One height-adjustable column and one spiral condensation column
  • One adjustable heating unit
  • A second round flask for evaporation
  • A pedestal for the rotation motor

Benefits of using a rotary evaporator

The rotary evaporator is more efficient than simple or conventional distillation equipment. Thanks to the presence of a vacuum system coupled to its structure, and that rotating the sample gives a greater contact surface, which allows evaporation to occur faster, and also has a heating system that makes the distillation process more efficient and precise. Rotary evaporators are useful instruments in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries for the smooth removal of solvents by evaporation.

For this reason it is common to find them in chemical laboratories, in educational institutions, research laboratories, pharmaceutical laboratories, and even in the so-called molecular kitchen, for the preparation of distillates and extracts. Among its main benefits offered by a rotary evaporator;

  • Solvent removal is superior to common evaporation.
  • The process is much faster and more efficient.
  • Use lower temperatures.
  • There is less energy consumption.
  • It provides a highly effective system for removing the last traces of residual solvent in a solution.

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a manufacturer of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES in the market, so you can make your PURCHASE confidently with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to provide you with safe, economical and effective options to perform your functions in the right way.

This time we present our Rotary Evaporator YR02307 // YR02310. The large-capacity, wide-opening flask provides a larger evaporation surface. The evaporation flask continues to rotate when constantly heated by a water bath, and the solvent evaporates more efficiently under vacuum conditions. It can be used for pilot scale production in biological engineering, pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry and food processing. It usually works with water circulation vacuum pump, diaphragm vacuum pump, recirculation cooler, constant temperature circulator, and low temperature circulation pump. Its advantages include: HERE

  • Patented Teflon Double Sealing (PTFE) and FV Rubber technology ensures negative pressure level.
  • Automatic switching valve makes continuous collection possible without affecting the vacuum degree and without stopping distillation
  • Teflon discharge valve is corrosion resistant and pollution free
  • Water bath jacket that protects operator from hot liquid burns

For more information we invite you to take a look HERE