Question

Extraction question:

Why shouldn’t you shake the separatory funnel too vigorously when performing an extraction? Why shouldn’t you shake it too gently either?

Answer 1

Why shouldn’t you shake the separatory funnel too vigorously when performing an extraction?
Answer: During the extraction process, there will be a considerable amount of pressure developed in the funnel. So,
it is important not to shake the funnel too vigorously.
For example; if you are extracting acid solution with bicarbonate, in this case, you have to be very careful and you
shouldn't shake the funnel vigorously. Due to the formation CO2 gas, a significant amount pressure will build up
in the funnel and will lead to exploding the funnel.
And also extraction low boiling compounds, such as diethyl ether, dichloromethane, there will be a significant pressure will develop during the extraction process.
Therefore, it is important not to shake the separating funnel too vigorously when performing the extraction.

Why shouldn’t you shake it too gently either?

Answer: When you shake too gently, there won't be a good extraction of the compound. In order to perform good extraction or complete extraction, you need to shake it reasonably well. Offcourse, not too vigorously.

Therefore, if you shake the funnel very gently, there won't be a complete separation of products. So, we have to shake the funnel initially gentle and after releasing the pressure gradually we can increase the shaking speed.