When using a rotary evaporator to evaporate N-hexane, it's crucial to follow the "20-degree rule" for efficient and safe operation.
According to this rule, there should be a 20°C difference between the bath temperature, vapor temperature, and condenser temperature.
N-hexane has a boiling point of 69°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
Setting the bath temperature to about 50°C would be appropriate for N-hexane.
This would allow the vapor temperature to be around 30°C.
The condenser temperature should be set at 10°C.
Explanation of Temperature Settings
1. Bath Temperature (50°C)
The bath temperature is set to 50°C to provide enough heat to evaporate N-hexane without causing excessive heating or thermal decomposition of the sample.
This temperature is 20°C above the vapor temperature, ensuring a controlled rate of evaporation.
2. Vapor Temperature (30°C)
The vapor temperature, which is the temperature at which the N-hexane evaporates, is set 20°C below the bath temperature.
This temperature gradient helps in maintaining a steady and controlled evaporation process, reducing the risk of "bumping" and ensuring that the solvent vapor is at a manageable temperature for condensation.
3. Condenser Temperature (10°C)
The condenser temperature is set 20°C below the vapor temperature to efficiently condense the N-hexane vapor back into liquid form.
This temperature ensures that the condenser can handle the incoming vapor without overloading, preventing vapor from escaping into the vacuum pump.
By adhering to these temperature guidelines, the rotary evaporator can effectively remove N-hexane from samples while minimizing the risk of sample degradation and ensuring efficient operation of the equipment.
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