Biotage® Universal Phase Separator
The latest innovation in phase separation
The Biotage® Universal Phase Separator is a simple solution to
the classic problem of separating an upper organic phase from an aqueous during a traditional liquid-liquid extraction.
Biotage® Universal Phase Separators are the latest concept in phase separation. These columns are fitted with a selectively permeable, optimized insert that separates aqueous phases from organic solvents under gravity (Figure 1).
Ready to Use
The design is as simple as it is ingenious. There are no moving parts and nothing to prime, it’s all achieved by hydrophobic/ hydrophilic interactions. The cartridges arrive in kit form and are ready to use once assembled.
When a compound is partitioned between two immiscible liquids due to differences in solubility, the organic phase can pass through the separator wherever it is located (Figure 2), while the aqueous phase stays in the separator. There is an automatic cut-off at the organic/aqueous interface.
Example: Typical Procedure
Add immiscible organic component to a 20 mL glass screw cap vial, and add water as necessary. Replace the screw cap and wrap in lab film. Shake vial to thoroughly mix contents.
Figure 1: Biotage® Universal Phase Separator. Left: kit form as supplied (2 tubes, 2 screw fittings and 3 inserts), right: assembled.
If necessary, allow to settle or simply pour contents into a 70 mL Biotage® Universal Phase Separator, taking care to ensure the liquid does not pass through the center insert drain hole. Use the supplied cap to cover the center insert.
Figure 2: The organic phase can pass through the Biotage® Universal Phase Separator, irrespective of being above or below the aqueous layer.
| Solvent |
Solvent Flow (mL/min) |
Water Hold Up
|
Polarity Index |
Water Solubility
(w/w%) |
| Heptane/hexane |
7.0 |
12+ hrs |
0.1 |
0.0004/0.0012 |
| Petroleum ether |
6.0 |
12+ hrs |
0.1 |
- |
| Toluene |
7.5 |
12+ hrs |
2.4 |
0.05 |
| Dichloromethane |
15 |
12+ hrs |
3.1 |
1.3 |
| Ethyl acetate* |
8-10 |
5-120 min |
4.4 |
8.7 |
*Depending on ionic content, separating ethyl acetate/aqueous mixtures gives a water retention time of between 5 and 120 minutes. When a sodium sulphate drying cartridge is also added in-line, retention time increases significantly more.
Table 1: Universal Phase Separator performance with six common solvents.
Order Information
| Part Number |
Description |
Qty. |
| 120-1930-V |
Universal Phase Separator, 70 mL capacity, Starter Kit: 2 tubes (including Luer fitting), 3 inserts, 3 caps, 2 Luer tips, instructions |
1 |
| 120-1931-V |
Universal Phase Separator, 70 mL capacity, Refill: 25 inserts, 25 splash guard caps, instructions |
25/PK |
| Accessories |
|
|
| 123-2016 |
16 mm collection tube rack |
1 |
| 123-2019 |
19 mm collection tube rack |
1 |
| 121-0009 |
Universal PTFE stopcock |
10 |
| 121-0001 |
PTFE stopcock/needle unit |
10 |
| 802-0250-M |
Sodium sulphate drying cartridge |
50 |