Schlenkline

A Schlenk line is a laboratory apparatus used to perform chemical manipulations under an inert atmosphere or in vacuum. Named after the German chemist Friedrich Schlenk, it consists of a glass manifold with multiple stopcocks connected to a vacuum pump on one side and an inert-gas source on the other. The line is typically mounted on a benchtop and linked to reaction vessels such as Schlenk flasks, which feature ground-glass joints and stopcocks to seal against air and moisture.

Operating principles and techniques: Procedures are carried out by cycling between vacuum and inert gas to purge air and moisture from the system and reagents. Common methods include purge cycles, solvent degassing by freeze-pump-thaw, and the transfer of liquids and solids through the manifold using adapters, septa, and stopcocks. The setup enables handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents, including many organometallic compounds and catalysts, under rigorously controlled atmospheres.

Design variants and components: A typical Schlenk line includes a gas inlet with a regulator or flow control, a vacuum line with a drying trap or moisture trap, and multiple stopcocks to isolate sections of the system. Some configurations use dual manifolds or additional ports to support several Schlenk flasks and reaction setups simultaneously. Safety considerations emphasize preventing backflow, keeping traps clear, and careful handling of reactive reagents.

Uses and scope: The Schlenk line is widely used for purification and preparation of air-sensitive compounds, degassing and drying of solvents, and conducting syntheses that require an inert atmosphere or vacuum. It is a standard tool in organometallic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis research.