The Soxhlet Extraction

This apparatus is not totally necessary when called for in a formula, but for the modest price of the apparatus, or the little bit of work with which a homemade unit can be constructed, it is worth carrying out the formula with such a device. Also, yields are improved considerably, sometimes paying for the apparatus with the first formula completed. The principle is basically the same as any coffee pot; a paper thimble is filled with the substance to be extracted (F) and a loose plug of cotton is placed (E) over the top. The Soxhlet apparatus is attached to a flask
containing the proper solvent (if the solvent is not given in the formula, then usually you must find a solvent in that either the desired substance or the impurities are insoluble in). Attach a condenser to the Soxhlet tube (B). The solvent is boiled causing vapor to rise and pass through
the holes (C) into the condenser where it is turned back into liquid. The liquid drops down into the thimble and solvent. When the solvent level exceeds the top of the riser tube (D) the solvent overflows back into the boiling flask (G) and the process is recycled or continuous. You should use a minimum amount of solvent, and if necessary add more through the condenser (do not use too much and do not let the flask (G) become dry at any time). When the extraction is complete,
dismantle the apparatus and crystallize the substance from the solution in the flask, or separate the resulting oil, etc. This is the most efficient way to get myristicin from nutmeg.Vogel.