A simple, semiquantitative device for liquid-liquid separations

A simple liquid-liquid separation device is prepared using a plastic syringe and compatible plastic stopcock. The design allows students to carry out quantitative extractions using a variety of organic solvents. Extraction yields are found to be equally precise and more accurate compared to glass separatory devices. The plastic separatory device is much more economical than the glass counterpart and is far more resistant to breakage. The design allows for simple adaptation to a variety of different syringes, further lowering material costs in the teaching lab.