IMAGE .A mixture that has formed an emulsion. The emulsion is the opaque area (grayish) near the middle of the image.
Occasionally, emulsions can form while the liquids are being mixed in the separatory funnel. An emulsion occurs when small droplets of an organic solvent are suspended in a water solution. Emulsions can be difficult to disperse, however, a few techniques may be attempted.
If the solutions that will be mixed in the funnel are known to emulsify, be prepared to wait for the emulsion to break down or consider using one of the techniques described below to eliminate the emulsion.
Once an emulsion has formed, first try slowly and gently swirling
the solution in the separatory funnel.
If the emulsion does not disperse after swirling or waiting, adding a small amount of saturated aqueous sodium chloride or water soluble detergent solution to the liquid in the separatory funnel will sometimes help. However, consider the reactivity of any reagent present in the separatory funnel before adding the salt.
Video.Gentle stirring to eliminate the emulsion.
Video. Addition of NaCl(aq) to eliminate the emulsion.
