Eraldusfaasi

Eraldusfaasi is a term used in Estonian chemistry to describe the separation phase of a two-phase liquid system. It refers to the stage after mixing two immiscible liquids when they no longer form a single homogeneous phase and begin to separate into distinct layers. This phase is crucial in processes such as liquid–liquid extraction and certain purification or sample-preparation steps, where different solutes preferentially distribute between the two layers.

The separation occurs mainly due to differences in density and interfacial tension between the liquids. After agitation, the system tends to minimize the interfacial area, and gravity causes the phases to stratify into a top and a bottom layer. Factors that influence the rate and completeness of eraldusfaasi include the density contrast, temperature, presence of salts or surfactants, pH, and the presence of emulsifying agents. In some cases, centrifugation or settling aids are used to accelerate the process.

In practical terms, eraldusfaasi determines how effectively solutes are partitioned between the phases. The organic phase is often less dense and forms the upper layer, while the aqueous phase forms the lower layer, though this is not universal. Quantitative aspects, such as the partition coefficient and phase ratio, are used to predict and optimize outcomes in laboratory and industrial settings.

See also: partition coefficient, liquid–liquid extraction, phase separation.