Schlenk Technique
Schlenk Technique - Related Videos
06:50
Synthesis Of A Ti(III) Metallocene Using Schlenk Line Technique
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2023
Source: Tamara M. Powers, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University Inorganic chemists often work with highly air- and water-sensitive compounds. The two most common and practical methods for air-free synthesis utilize either Schlenk lines or gloveboxes. This experiment will demonstrate how to perform simple manipulations on a Schlenk line with a focus on solvent preparation and transfer. Through the synthesis of a reactive Ti(III) metallocene complex, we will demonstrate a new, simple...
09:41
Schlenk Lines Transfer of Solvents
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2023
Source: Hsin-Chun Chiu and Tyler J. Morin, laboratory of Dr. Ian Tonks—University of Minnesota Twin Cities Schlenk lines and high vacuum lines are both used to exclude moisture and oxygen from reactions by running reactions under a slight overpressure of inert gas (usually N2 or Ar) or under vacuum. Vacuum transfer has been developed as a method separate solvents (other volatile reagents) from drying agents (or other nonvolatile agents) and dispense them to reaction or storage vessels while...
07:05
Handling Air- and Water-Sensitive Chemicals Using a Schlenk Line
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2023
Robert M Rioux, Ajay Sathe, Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA The use of reagents sensitive to oxidation or moisture necessitates the use of air-free techniques. A Schlenk line is a routinely used glass apparatus to perform air and moisture free manipulations in a chemical laboratory1. The Schlenk line is widely utilized by many chemists since it allows them conduct air or water sensitive reactions even without the expense and restriction of a glove box. The...
![The Synthesis of [Sn<sub>10</sub>(Si(SiMe<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>]<sup>2</sup><sup>-</sup> Using a Metastable Sn(I) Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F54498.jpg%3Fv%3D2026-09-28%252016%253A08%253A49&w=750&q=75)
12:43
The Synthesis of [Sn10(Si(SiMe3)3)4]2- Using a Metastable Sn(I) Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique
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Cited by 3 •
2016
The disproportionation reaction of a metastable Sn(I) chloride solution, obtained via the preparative co-condensation technique, is used for the synthesis of a metalloid tin cluster compound.
04:14
Lab Techniques - Concepts
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2020
Measurement Accuracy The ability to repeat an experiment and get the same results, or reproducibility, is essential in scientific research. However, it’s impossible to repeat an experiment if you don’t know how you did it. Thus, scientists keep detailed records of their experiments in lab notebooks. These records include important information like the amount of each material used and descriptions of each step of the procedure. Equipment, like balances and volumetric or graduated glassware, is...
FAQs
Repeated evacuation and backfilling lowers the amount of oxygen and water vapor surrounding the reaction. The flask is connected to a vacuum/inert-gas manifold, evacuated to remove the existing atmosphere, and then refilled with nitrogen or argon. Alternating these operations establishes a controlled environment before and during manipulation, supporting more reliable work with sensitive substances.
Stopcocks control whether a Schlenk flask communicates with the vacuum line or the inert-gas supply. This permits chemists to switch between evacuation, inert-gas backfilling, and isolation of the reaction vessel without exposing its contents directly to the laboratory atmosphere. The manifold therefore coordinates atmosphere control and handling throughout an experiment.
Reduced pressure allows volatile solvents to be removed from the flask under vacuum while the surrounding atmosphere remains controlled. This capability is useful when a procedure requires solvent removal without introducing oxygen or water vapor. Combining solvent removal with inert-atmosphere handling helps chemists prepare or process moisture-sensitive reaction mixtures more consistently.
A typical setup combines a Schlenk flask, a stopcock, and a vacuum/inert-gas manifold. These components provide the vessel for the reaction, regulate access to vacuum or inert gas, and support atmosphere exchange. Septa and cannula-transfer equipment can extend the setup by allowing manipulation or reagent movement while limiting direct atmospheric exposure.
Reagents can be transferred by cannula or manipulated through septa while the system remains under a controlled nitrogen or argon environment. These approaches reduce the need to open the reaction vessel to laboratory air during addition or handling. As a result, chemists can introduce materials while preserving the atmosphere established by evacuation and backfilling.
The technique is especially useful for synthesizing and characterizing organometallic compounds, reactive intermediates, and moisture-sensitive catalysts. It provides controlled handling conditions for substances that could be affected by atmospheric oxygen or water vapor. By supporting consistent atmosphere control during preparation and reaction, it can improve reproducibility and safety in chemical research.