A rotary evaporator, also known as a rotovap or rotavap, is a device used in chemical laboratories for the efficient and gentle removal of solvents from samples by evaporation. It can be used to remove solvents from many different types of reactions, including both organic and inorganic compounds.
The rotary evaporator works by reducing the pressure in a glass flask filled with a sample, causing the solvent in the sample to evaporate. At the same time, the flask is rotated, which increases the surface area of the sample and hence, the rate of evaporation. The evaporated solvent is then condensed and collected in a separate flask.
Here are some of the main uses of a rotary evaporator:
- Solvent Removal: The most common use of a rotary evaporator is to separate solvents from compounds, which is done through the process of rapid evaporation.
- Sample Concentration: Rotary evaporators can concentrate samples by evaporating the solvent around the sample and thus reducing the volume of the overall solution.
- Sample Purification: In some cases, rotary evaporators can be used to purify samples. This is done by taking advantage of differences in boiling points to separate compounds.
- Sample Drying: Rotary evaporators can be used to completely remove water or other solvents from samples.
- Re-crystallization: Rotary evaporators can help in the process of re-crystallization, which is a method of purifying a solid compound.
It’s important to note that a rotary evaporator is often used in combination with other lab equipment, such as vacuum pumps and heating baths, to efficiently control the temperature and pressure conditions for the evaporation process.
