Fun with Crystals: Exploring Organic Chemistry Lab Equipment

What type of equipment is typically used to collect small crystals or precipitates in an organic chemistry lab?

a) Separatory funnel
b) Buchner funnel
c) Volumetric funnel
d) Powder funnel

Answer:

In organic chemistry, a Buchner funnel is used to collect small amounts of crystals or precipitates through vacuum filtration following a crystallization process.

Organic chemistry labs are filled with fascinating equipment designed to aid in various experiments and processes. When it comes to collecting small crystals or precipitates, one particular tool stands out - the Buchner funnel.

The Buchner funnel is an essential piece of equipment used in organic chemistry labs for vacuum filtration. It is specially designed to facilitate the separation of solids from a solution, making it ideal for collecting crystals or precipitates produced during a crystallization process.

Here's how the Buchner funnel works: a filter paper is placed inside the funnel, and the mixture containing the crystals is poured onto the paper. Vacuum suction is then applied to draw the liquid through the filter paper, leaving behind the pure crystals in the funnel.

This method of vacuum filtration using a Buchner funnel is efficient and widely used in chemical laboratories for collecting precipitates. It allows researchers and students to separate solids from liquids effectively, making it an invaluable tool in the world of organic chemistry.