Video.Pouring the upper phase through the mouth of the separatory funnel.
The two layers are separated by draining the lower layer through the stopcock. Before beginning to drain the liquid, anticipate which layer contains the compound you are trying to isolate. Predict the solubility of each component in the mixture in both the upper layer and the lower layer.
Usually, the solution containing the solute is extracted three times with the extraction solution. Thus, the solution containing the solute must be collected and returned to the separatory funnel (or remain in the funnel if this solution is the upper layer) between each extraction step.
Place a collection flask beneath the spout of the separatory funnel.
Remove the stopper from the top of the funnel.
Open the stopcock, and allow 3/4 of the bottom layer to drain into the collection flask. Wait for a short period of time (about a minute) so that any liquid from the lower layer that may be clinging to the funnel walls may flow down to the bottom layer. Re-open the stopcock and allow the remainder of the bottom layer to drain into the collection flask; close the stopcock when the upper layer reaches the stopcock. Do not allow the upper layer to drain into the collection flask. (Hint: Do not open the stopcock all the way when the upper layer nears the stopcock.)
If the upper layer contains the solute, add more of the extraction solution (the lower layer) and repeat the extraction. When the upper layer has been extracted at least three times, POUR the upper layer through the mouth of the funnel rather than draining it through the stopcock.
If the lower layer contains the solute, POUR the upper layer through the mouth of the funnel rather than draining it through the stopcock. Then, return the bottom layer to the separatory funnel and repeat the extraction process. The upper layer can be discarded at this point, however it is wise to save this layer until the end of the experiment in case this layer contians the product.
