Using the Rotary Evaporator - Easy

Check that the water level in the heating bath is appropriate—high enough so the round bottom flask sits comfortably when lowered, but not so high that water seeps into the flask. Turn on the water bath using the switch and knobs, heating to the desired temperature based on the solvent's boiling point.

Obtain a round bottom flask containing your solvent and clip it onto the bump trap using a keck clip. Lower the flask arm into the water bath, ensuring it sits comfortably without being submerged too deeply.

Fill the cold finger with acetone or isopropanol if empty, then add dry ice until cold. Watch for aggressive bubbling and splashing from sublimation, and confirm the finger is sufficiently cold by observing condensation or touching it.

Turn the vacuum input valve to allow airflow through the pump tubing, then close the output valve to seal the system from the atmosphere. Turn on the vacuum pump and verify that the bump trap and flask begin rotating.

Use the control panel knobs to adjust the rotation speed to your desired RPM and set the specific pressure appropriate for your solvent. Monitor the flask as it rotates in the water bath.

Observe bubbles forming in the rotating flask as the solvent boils and rises through the bump trap. The solvent will condense on the cold finger and drip into the collection flask below. Continue until the solvent has dissipated to your desired level.

Reverse the startup steps: rotate the output valve back to its original position and allow pressure to equilibrate by letting the hissing stop. Carefully remove the round bottom flask from the bump trap and place it in a cork donut for safety.

Unscrew the clamp holding the collection flask and carefully dump any excess solvent into the waste carboy. Secure the flask again to prevent it from falling.