Laboratory textbooks and manuals rarely illustrate what happens when students fail to follow instructions on techniques. Thus, students may not understand why it is necessary to follow instructions. This presentation focuses on errors and, more importantly, the potential risks resulting from improper filtration technique. Fundamental techniques are demonstrated using filtrations for several compounds. However, the principle foci will be filtrations during the recrystallizations of aspirin and acetanilide because these experiments are a common feature in core organic chemistry laboratory classes. The challenges and dangers of hot filtration and vacuum filtration are explored. Among the topics covered are selection of appropriate filter paper, use of sintered glass filters, fluting filter paper, the need for clamping side-arm flasks, vacuum filtration of hot solutions. The potential of the galleries for as a testing tool for pre-laboratory testing exercises are also discussed.

Development of a rogue's gallery that illustrates practical errors and potential risks in filtration

245th National Meeting (2013)

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