Difference between revisions of "Schlenk line"

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(New page: thumb|A Schlenk line with four ports. The [[cold trap is at right.]] [[Image:Double_vac_line_side_view.jpg|thumb|Close-up view, showing the double-...)
 
 
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[[Image:Double vac line front view.jpg|thumb|A Schlenk line with four ports. The [[cold trap]] is at right.]]
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[[Image:Double vac line front view.jpg|thumb|A Schlenk line with four ports. The [[cold trap]] is on the right.]]
[[Image:Double_vac_line_side_view.jpg|thumb|Close-up view, showing the double-oblique stopcock which allows vacuum (rear line) and inert gas (front line) to be selected.]]
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[[Image:Double vac line side view.jpg|thumb|Close-up view, showing the double-oblique stopcock which allows vacuum (rear line) and inert gas (front line) to be selected.]]
[[image:Vacuum_gas_manifold.png|225px|thumb|Vacuum gas manifold set up: '''1''' inert gas in, '''2''' inert gas out (to bubbler), '''3''' vacuum (To cold traps) '''4''' reaction line, '''5''' Teflon tap to gas, '''6''' Teflon tap to vacuum]] [[image:3_way_tap_vacuum_gas_manifold.png|225px|thumb| Vacuum gas manifold set up: '''1''' inert gas in, '''2''' inert gas out (to bubbler), '''3''' vacuum (to cold traps), '''4''' reaction line, '''5''' double oblique stopcock (i.e. a glass tap with 2 separate parallel 'channels/lines' that run diagonal to the axis of the tap.)]]
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[[image:Vacuum gas manifold.png|225px|thumb|Vacuum gas manifold set up: '''1''' inert gas in, '''2''' inert gas out (to bubbler), '''3''' vacuum (To cold traps) '''4''' reaction line, '''5''' Teflon tap to gas, '''6''' Teflon tap to vacuum]] [[image:3 way tap vacuum gas manifold.png|225px|thumb| Vacuum gas manifold set up: '''1''' inert gas in, '''2''' inert gas out (to bubbler), '''3''' vacuum (to cold traps), '''4''' reaction line, '''5''' double oblique stopcock (i.e. a glass tap with 2 separate parallel 'channels/lines' that run diagonal to the axis of the tap.)]]
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The '''Schlenk line''' (also vacuum gas manifold) is a commonly-used piece of [[chemistry]] apparatus developed by [[Wilhelm Schlenk]]. It consists of a dual manifold with several ports.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Manipulation of a Schlenk Line: Preparation of Tetrahydrofuran Complexes of Transition-Metal Chlorides | author = Craig M. Davis and Kelly A. Curran | pages = 1822–3 | journal = [[Journal of Chemical Education]] | volume = 84 | issue = 11 | month = November | year = 2007 | url = http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/Journal/Issues/2007/Nov/abs1822.html | format = abstract page}}</ref> One manifold is connected to a source of purified [[inert gas]], while the other is connected to a high-[[vacuum pump]]. The inert gas line is vented through an [[oil bubbler]], while solvent vapors and gaseous reaction products are prevented from contaminating the pump through a [[liquid nitrogen]] or [[dry ice]]/[[acetone]] [[cold trap]]. Special [[stopcock]]s or Teflon taps allow for vacuum or inert gas to be selected without the need for placing the sample on a separate line.
  
The '''Schlenk line''' (also vacuum gas manifold), developed by [[Wilhelm Schlenk]], is a dual manifold with several ports.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Manipulation of a Schlenk Line: Preparation of Tetrahydrofuran Complexes of Transition-Metal Chlorides | author = Craig M. Davis and Kelly A. Curran | pages = 1822-3 | journal = [[Journal of Chemical Education]] | volume = 84 | issue = 11 | date = November 2007 | url = http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/Journal/Issues/2007/Nov/abs1822.html}}</ref> One manifold is connected to a source of purified [[inert gas]], while the other is connected to a high [[vacuum pump]]. The inert gas line is vented through an [[oil bubbler]], while solvent vapors and gaseous reaction products are prevented from contaminating the pump through a [[liquid nitrogen]] or [[dry ice]]/[[acetone]] [[cold trap]]. Special [[stopcock]]s or Teflon taps allow for vacuum or inert gas to be selected without the need for placing the sample on a separate line.
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Schlenk lines are useful for safely and successfully manipulating [[air sensitive]] compounds. The [[high vacuum]] is also often used to remove the last traces of [[solvent]] from a sample. Vacuum gas manifolds often have many ports and lines, and with care it is possible for several [[chemical reaction|reactions]] or operations to be run simultaneously.
  
Schlenk lines are useful for safely and successfully manipulating [[air sensitive]] compounds. The [[high vacuum]] is also often used to remove the last traces of [[solvent]] from a sample. Vacuum gas manifolds often have many ports and lines, and with care it is possible for several [[reactions]] or operations to be run simultaneously.
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==Techniques==
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The main techniques associated with the use of a Schlenk line include:
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* counterflow additions, where air-stable [[reagent]]s are added to the reaction vessel against a flow of inert gas.
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* the use of [[syringes]] and rubber [[septa]] to transfer liquids and solutions
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* [[cannula transfer]], where liquids or solutions of air-sensitive reagents are transferred between different vessels stoppered with septa using a long thin tube known as a cannula. Liquid flow is achieved via vacuum or inert gas pressure.<ref>Brown, H. C. “Organic Syntheses via Boranes” John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York: 1975. ISBN 0-471-11280-1.</ref>[[Image:Aldolrxnpic.jpg|thumb|right|A cannula is used to transfer [[Tetrahydrofuran|THF]] from the flask on the right to the flask on the left.]]
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Glassware are usually connected via tightly-fitting and greased [[ground glass joint]]s. Round bends of [[glass tubing]] with ground glass joints may be used to adjust the orientation of various vessels.
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Filtration under inert conditions poses a special challenge that is usually tackled with specialized glassware. A Schlenk filter consists of sintered glass funnel fitted with joints and stopcocks. By fitting the pre-dried funnel and receiving flask to the reaction flask against a flow of nitrogen, carefully inverting the set-up, and turning on the vacuum appropriately, the filtration may be accomplished with minimal exposure to air.
  
 
==Dangers==
 
==Dangers==
 
The main dangers associated with the use of a Schlenk line are the risks of an [[Implosion (mechanical process)|implosion]] or [[explosion]]. An implosion can occur due to the use of a high vacuum and flaws in the glass apparatus.
 
The main dangers associated with the use of a Schlenk line are the risks of an [[Implosion (mechanical process)|implosion]] or [[explosion]]. An implosion can occur due to the use of a high vacuum and flaws in the glass apparatus.
  
An explosion can occur due to the common use of liquid [[nitrogen]] in the [[cold trap]], used to protect the vacuum pump from solvents. If a reasonable amount of [[air]] is allowed to enter the Schlenk line, liquid [[oxygen]] can condense into the cold trap as a pale blue liquid. An explosion may occur due to [[reaction]] of the liquid oxygen with any organic compounds also in the trap.
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An explosion can occur due to the common use of liquid [[nitrogen]] in the [[cold trap]], used to protect the vacuum pump from solvents. If a reasonable amount of [[air]] is allowed to enter the Schlenk line, liquid [[oxygen]] can condense into the cold trap as a pale blue liquid. An explosion may occur due to [[chemical reaction |reaction]] of the liquid oxygen with any organic compounds also in the trap.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
  
* [[Glovebox]] - used to manipulate [[air-sensitive]] (oxygen- or moisture-sensitive) chemicals.
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* [[Air-free technique]] gives a broad overview of methods including
* [[Schlenk flask]] - reaction vessel for handling [[air-sensitive]] compounds.
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** [[Glovebox]] - used to manipulate [[air-sensitive]] (oxygen- or moisture-sensitive) chemicals.
* [[Perkin triangle]] - used for the distillation of [[air-sensitive]] compounds.
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** [[Schlenk flask]] - reaction vessel for handling [[air-sensitive]] compounds.
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** [[Perkin triangle]] - used for the distillation of [[air-sensitive]] compounds.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
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==Further reading==
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* {{cite journal | author = Sella, Andrea | title = Schlenk Apparatus | journal = Chemistry World | year = 2008 | month = January | pages = 69 | url = http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2008/January/ClassicKitSchlenkApparatus.asp| accessdate = 2008-01-30 }}
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* {{cite journal | author = Tidwell, Thomas | title = Wilhelm Schlenk: The Man Behind the Flask | journal = Angewandte Chemie International Edition | year = 2001 | volume = 40 | pages = 331–337| doi = 10.1002/1521-3773(20010119)40:2<331::AID-ANIE331>3.0.CO;2-E }}
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* {{cite web | author = Jürgen Heck | title = The Integrated Synthesis Course: Schlenk Technique | url = http://www.kok.chembio.ntnu.no/chemtalk/Artikler/Schlenk%20technique/ISP-Labcourse.pdf |format=PDF| publisher = [[University of Hamburg]] | format = reprint at Norwegian University of Science and Technology}}
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* {{cite web | title = Handling and Storage of Air-Sensitive Reagents | publisher = [[Sigma-Aldrich]] | url = http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/etc/medialib/docs/Aldrich/Bulletin/al_techbull_al134.pdf|format=PDF}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
* {{cite web | author = Rob Toreki | title = Schlenk Lines and Vacuum Lines | url = http://www.ilpi.com/inorganic/glassware/vacline.html | work = The Glassware Gallery | publisher = Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated | date = 25 May 04}}
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* {{cite web | author = Rob Toreki | title = Schlenk Lines and Vacuum Lines | url = http://www.ilpi.com/inorganic/glassware/vacline.html | work = The Glassware Gallery | publisher = Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated | date = 25 May 2004}}
* {{cite web | author = Jürgen Heck | title = The Integrated Synthesis Course: Schlenk Technique | url = http://www.kok.chembio.ntnu.no/chemtalk/Artikler/Schlenk%20technique/ISP-Labcourse.pdf | publisher = [[University of Hamburg]] | format = reprint at Norwegian University of Science and Technology}}
 
* {{cite web | title = Handling and Storage of Air-Sensitive Reagents | publisher = [[Sigma-Aldrich]] | url = http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/aldrich/bulletin/al_techbull_al134.pdf}}
 
  
[[Category:Laboratory equipment]]
 
 
[[Category:Laboratory glassware]]
 
[[Category:Laboratory glassware]]
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[[Category:Air-free techniques]]
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{{Imported from Wikipedia|name=Schlenk line|id=298743639}}

Latest revision as of 16:29, 9 August 2009

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination
A Schlenk line with four ports. The cold trap is on the right.
Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination
Close-up view, showing the double-oblique stopcock which allows vacuum (rear line) and inert gas (front line) to be selected.
Vacuum gas manifold set up: 1 inert gas in, 2 inert gas out (to bubbler), 3 vacuum (To cold traps) 4 reaction line, 5 Teflon tap to gas, 6 Teflon tap to vacuum
Vacuum gas manifold set up: 1 inert gas in, 2 inert gas out (to bubbler), 3 vacuum (to cold traps), 4 reaction line, 5 double oblique stopcock (i.e. a glass tap with 2 separate parallel 'channels/lines' that run diagonal to the axis of the tap.)

The Schlenk line (also vacuum gas manifold) is a commonly-used piece of chemistry apparatus developed by Wilhelm Schlenk. It consists of a dual manifold with several ports.[1] One manifold is connected to a source of purified inert gas, while the other is connected to a high-vacuum pump. The inert gas line is vented through an oil bubbler, while solvent vapors and gaseous reaction products are prevented from contaminating the pump through a liquid nitrogen or dry ice/acetone cold trap. Special stopcocks or Teflon taps allow for vacuum or inert gas to be selected without the need for placing the sample on a separate line.

Schlenk lines are useful for safely and successfully manipulating air sensitive compounds. The high vacuum is also often used to remove the last traces of solvent from a sample. Vacuum gas manifolds often have many ports and lines, and with care it is possible for several reactions or operations to be run simultaneously.

Techniques

The main techniques associated with the use of a Schlenk line include:

  • counterflow additions, where air-stable reagents are added to the reaction vessel against a flow of inert gas.
  • the use of syringes and rubber septa to transfer liquids and solutions
  • cannula transfer, where liquids or solutions of air-sensitive reagents are transferred between different vessels stoppered with septa using a long thin tube known as a cannula. Liquid flow is achieved via vacuum or inert gas pressure.[2]
    A cannula is used to transfer THF from the flask on the right to the flask on the left.

Glassware are usually connected via tightly-fitting and greased ground glass joints. Round bends of glass tubing with ground glass joints may be used to adjust the orientation of various vessels.

Filtration under inert conditions poses a special challenge that is usually tackled with specialized glassware. A Schlenk filter consists of sintered glass funnel fitted with joints and stopcocks. By fitting the pre-dried funnel and receiving flask to the reaction flask against a flow of nitrogen, carefully inverting the set-up, and turning on the vacuum appropriately, the filtration may be accomplished with minimal exposure to air.

Dangers

The main dangers associated with the use of a Schlenk line are the risks of an implosion or explosion. An implosion can occur due to the use of a high vacuum and flaws in the glass apparatus.

An explosion can occur due to the common use of liquid nitrogen in the cold trap, used to protect the vacuum pump from solvents. If a reasonable amount of air is allowed to enter the Schlenk line, liquid oxygen can condense into the cold trap as a pale blue liquid. An explosion may occur due to reaction of the liquid oxygen with any organic compounds also in the trap.

See also

References

  1. Craig M. Davis and Kelly A. Curran (November 2007). "Manipulation of a Schlenk Line: Preparation of Tetrahydrofuran Complexes of Transition-Metal Chlorides" (abstract page). Journal of Chemical Education 84 (11): 1822–3. 
  2. Brown, H. C. “Organic Syntheses via Boranes” John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York: 1975. ISBN 0-471-11280-1.

Further reading

External links

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