Liquid-liquid Extraction: Extract caffeine from your everyday drinks
Learn how to use a separating funnel to extract and dry a water soluble compound, such as caffeine from tea or coffee. Can you also predict the liquid phases in which the compound can be found?
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Learn moreAbout This Simulation
Most students (and teachers!) can relate to caffeine's effect, either in tea or coffee. In the Liquid-Liquid Extraction simulation, you will learn how to extract caffeine as powder from its liquid form.
Master the separatory funnel
Learn the correct usage of a separatory funnel by first decanting a simple soda, removing any gas from the liquid perfection you shake, and venting the separatory funnel. This will teach you how to correctly set up the equipment while preparing you for the next steps. Next you’ll extract the caffeine, using an aqueous and organic phase to transfer the caffeine in multiple steps, from the aqueous coffee to dichloromethane.
Learn from your mistakes!
If you’ve ever made a mistake in the lab, this virtual lab has your back. Learn how to use a separatory funnel without fear of messing things up. In this simulation you have the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them as you go. And if you make a mess, don’t worry: Dr. One will be there to help clean up!
Use practice to learn theory
In liquid-liquid extractions the main focus is on using the separatory funnel. This is used here to separate caffeine from its aqueous phase into an organic phase and then dry it for a tiny amount of dried caffeine powder. Complete this task to help answer the question: Does a cup of tea contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee?
Explore Liquid-liquid Extraction: Extract caffeine from your everyday drinks Virtual Lab Simulation
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