How To: Perform proper vacuum filtration in the chemistry lab

The Interactive Lab Primer (ILP) has been developed as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry Teacher Fellowship Scheme, one of the themes of the Chemistry for Our Future program, and initiative which aims to secure a strong and sustainable future for the chemical sciences in higher education. The aim of the ILP is to address the diverse range of experience and skills students bring with them to a university by offering a resource to support their transition from school to the university chemistry laboratory. The ILP is quite simply a visual guide to common laboratory techniques.

This video tutorial will teach you how to perform vacuum filtration in the chemistry lab. Filtration is commonly carried out to separate a solid from a liquid. If the solid is to be discarded (such as in the removal of insoluble impurities) it is done by gravity filtration. If the solid is to be collected it is done under a reduced pressure using a Buchner Funnel and Buchner Flask. When a solid needs to be isolated from a solution it is normally done at a reduced pressure using a Buchner flask and Buchner funnel.

Always make yourself aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals involved in a practical before you even start. If you ever come across a chemical you do not know the hazard of you must assume that is very hazardous until you find otherwise.