Question

What are four characteristics of a good extraction solvent?

Answer 1

A good extraction solvent should have a strong solubilizing capability for the compound of interest, it should be immiscible or only weakly misciblewith the matrix solvent ( the first solution or mixture containing the compound from its natural source, e.g., water/ether. water/ chloroform, etc. If possible the extraction solvent should be non-flammable, non-toxic or of low toxicity, reasonably volatile, and of low eco-impact. Inexpensive and available, of high purity , and shelf stable. If one is determining the compound of interest by UV/Vis spectrophotometry or fluorescence, the solvent should have extremely low absobance or emission at the wavelength of analysis

• high solubility for the solute and low solubility for the carrier liquid.

• density difference vs. the carrier liquid greater than 150 kg/m. ...

• mid-level interfacial tension (5–30 dyne/cm)

• high resistance to thermal degradation.