Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus w/ Flat Bottom Flask

Soxhlet extraction devices are ingenious inventions for the continuous extraction of sparingly soluble solids with a volatile solvent. The flask and extraction solvent are heated and the vapors rise up the outer sidearm until they reach the water-cooled condenser. The condensed solvent drips into the Soxhlet device and onto a porous glass or paper thimble containing the material to be extracted. When the level of the condensate in the extractor rises above the inner U-shaped sidearm, it automatically siphons the solvent and dissolved material into the lower flask. The cycle then repeats itself. The condenser on these units has an enlarged uptake tube to improve the condensing capacity.

Typical uses for Soxhlet devices include extracting fullerenes from raw soot (using toluene or similar solvents) and the determination of fat content in food or feed samples (using hexane as the solvent). These are also great for the extraction of essential oils. 

This complete unit includes a flat-bottom flask, the extractor, and an Allihn condensor sized as shown in the picture. Three sizes are available: 50, 85, and 200 mL. The individual components are also available separately.  These extractors can be used with fritted glass thimbles (item #CG-1372) or paper thimbles (not sold here, sorry).   An identical setup with a round bottomed flask is also available (see item# CG-1369).  For additional or replacement flasks see item #CG-1500.