🌟 -- Rotary evaporator (How to use a Rotavap /Rotovap)

Turn on the main switch and check that the chiller reservoir is filled with isopropanol. Set the chiller temperature to negative 10 to negative 15 degrees Celsius and ensure the aspirator is filled with water. Verify that the round bottom flask is only half filled with sample and the stirring bar is removed.

Empty the solvent receiver and remove it by loosening the clip and rotating it out with both hands. Turn on the aspirator and insert a 50 ml beaker of acetone into the condenser mouth to clean the instrument. Verify the chiller temperature and confirm the condenser is running.

Hold the round bottom flask in place and gently switch on the vacuum using the left hand, listening for the sound change. Check that the blue indicator faces toward you indicating the vacuum is on. Switch on the rotation and slowly adjust the motor speed to the desired rotation rate.

Unlock the lever by rotating it anti-clockwise and lower the flask setup so it is semi-submerged in the hot water bath. Relock the lever and observe as solvent vapor condenses and drips into the receiver. Continue until no more solvent remains in the round bottom flask.

Raise the flask out of the water bath by unlocking the lever and adjust rotation speed to the lowest setting. Slowly and gently turn off the vacuum, switch off the aspirator, and rotate the flask out of the adapter. Use a flexible metal spatula to scrape the inner walls of the flask thoroughly to remove all solid residue into a vial.

Attach a rubber cap to a glass pipette and insert it into the round bottom flask to withdraw the liquid sample. Insert the pipette into a glass vial and slowly release pressure on the rubber cap to dispense the liquid onto the upper wall. Repeat until all liquid is transferred and secure the vial cap.

Remove the receiver and loosen its clip with both hands, then rotate it out. Dispose of chlorinated solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform) into the yellow-labeled waste bottle and non-chlorinated solvents (acetone, toluene) into the white-labeled waste bottle.