Vacuum Filtration

Filtration is a technique used to separate a solid from a liquid. The solid is
separated from the liquid phase by passing the mixture over a filtering media.
A filtering media is characterized by being chemically inert to the mixture, and
having small pathways for the liquid to pass through, but these pathways should be
smaller than the solid particle size. Filtering media can be prepared using paper,
fritted-glass or any porous material.

The mixture can be forced through the filter by either gravity or reduced pressure
on one side of the filter (by creating a vacuum). It is possible to separate a
solid from a liquid by either technique, however, there are advantages to each
technique.


Gravity Filtration is recommended when:

* the mixture is hot (above room temperature)

* the liquid is saturated with one or more reagents

* the solvent is very volatile (chloroform, alcohols, ethers).


Vacuum Filtration is recommended when:

* the conditions where gravity filtration is recommended are NOT present

* a quick separation is required

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