What is a Schlenk line for?
A Schlenk line is an essential piece of equipment used for the manipulation of air and moisture sensitive compounds. They consist of a vacuum manifold which is connected to a vacuum pump, and an inert gas manifold which is connected to a source of purified and dry inert gas (typically argon or nitrogen).
Why is there a bubbler attached to the Schlenk line?
The gas exits the manifold through a mercury or oil bubbler (Fig. 2). The bubbler provides a pressure release system for the line and a visible means of monitoring the general flow of gas.
How do you mount a Schlenk line?
Orient the clamp so that the weight of the Schlenk line is supported by the bottom (the non-moving arm) of the clamp – this means that the thumbscrew is always at the bottom or underneath the glassware being supported. This same principle should also be applied to boss heads.
What are the main safety concerns with Schlenk line?
Condensing Oxygen: This is the most dangerous hazard associated with Schlenk line operation. Liquid oxygen is deposited into your solvent traps when air from the ambient environment is pulled through the vacuum line and cooled by the liquid nitrogen in the traps.
When was Schlenk line invented?
Schlenk was an organic chemist who discovered organolithium compounds around 1917….
| Wilhelm Schlenk | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Schlenk flask Schlenk line |
| Awards | Lieben Prize (1917) |
| Scientific career |
Why must the liquid nitrogen trap only be used when the vacuum line is evacuated?
Liquid nitrogen is only used when dry ice or other cryogenic approaches will not condense the desired gasses since liquid nitrogen will also condense oxygen. Any oxygen gas content in the vacuum line or any leak in the vacuum line will result in liquid oxygen mixed with the target vapors, often with explosive results.
How does a gas bubbler work?
A gas bubbler acts as a one-way valve — gases (hot air, evolved gases, solvent vapors) from the inlet will bubble through the fluid before being vented to the atmosphere.
How do you use a Schlenk tube?
Using a Schlenk flask
- Connect (using rubber tubing) the sidearm to a nitrogen manifold and bubbler.
- Open the sidearm valve and turn up the nitrogen flow (watch the bubbler).
- Remove the stopper from the flask.
- Place the addition funnel on the flask and allow the apparatus to purge completely with nitrogen.
Why is a cold trap placed before the vacuum pump?
The purpose of Cold Traps: During laboratory evaporation, the main function of the Cold Trap is to collect harmful vapors before they enter the vacuum pump. For a vacuum pump that requires oil, collection of solvent vapors is essential to prevent them from collecting in the vacuum pump’s oil.
When was the Schlenk Line invented?
1920s
A Schlenk line is a dual manifold used in the safe handling of air- and moisture-sensitive reagents. The apparatus was invented in the 1920s by Wilhelm Schlenk.
Who invented the Schlenk line?
Wilhelm Schlenk
The Schlenk line (also vacuum gas manifold) is a commonly used chemistry apparatus developed by Wilhelm Schlenk. It consists of a dual manifold with several ports. One manifold is connected to a source of purified inert gas, while the other is connected to a vacuum pump.
What is a Schlenk line?
The Schlenk line (also vacuum gas manifold) is a commonly used chemistry apparatus developed by Wilhelm Schlenk. It consists of a dual manifold with several ports. One manifold is connected to a source of purified inert gas, while the other is connected to a vacuum pump.
How do I Clean my Schlenk vacuum vacuum line?
Some Schlenk lines have an additional Teflon tap or stopcock before the vacuum pump which can be closed before re-pressuring the line. Step 3: Remove the Dewar of liquid nitrogen and then carefully remove the solvent trap. Step 4: Allow any collected solvent to thaw before discarding into an appropriate waste container.
How do you use a gas regulator in a Schlenk line?
Alternatively, a gas regulator can be used in tandem with a pressure relief bubbler to monitor and adjust the inert gas pressure within the Schlenk line. A liquid nitrogen trap is used to condense solvent vapours and protect the vacuum pump.
How do you use a Schlenk filter?
A Schlenk filter consists of sintered glass funnel fitted with joints and stopcocks. By fitting the pre-dried funnel and receiving flask to the reaction flask against a flow of nitrogen, carefully inverting the set-up, and turning on the vacuum appropriately, the filtration may be accomplished with minimal exposure to air.