How to Use a Schlenk Line

Position the liquid nitrogen trap at the collection vessel to capture any solvents that run through the system under vacuum. This traps vapors and prevents them from reaching the vacuum pump.

Apply vacuum through the system while keeping the transfer valve closed to remove any remaining air and oxygen from the Schlenk line. Run nitrogen through a needle into a mercury bubbler to verify gas flow and check for proper back pressure.

Insert a cannula needle through septa into both vessels and place a small outlet needle in the receiving vessel to allow nitrogen to escape during transfer. Verify both needles are clear and properly positioned.

Lower the cannula tip into the source solution and raise the source vessel above the receiving vessel to initiate solvent flow using gravity and nitrogen pressure. Transfer approximately 15 mL of solvent into the Schlenk vessel.

Withdraw the small outlet needle first, then remove the cannula from both vessels while maintaining an inert atmosphere. Keep the cannula tip in the graduated cylinder until fully removed to prevent oxygen entry.

Turn on nitrogen flow from the black inlet and open the valve on the Schlenk vessel to maintain constant inert pressure over the reaction mixture. Allow the reaction to proceed with continuous nitrogen blanketing.

Close the transfer valve, turn off nitrogen flow, and remove the inlet hose from the Schlenk vessel. Turn off the nitrogen supply and close all valves before shutting down the vacuum pump.