Standard-Taper Glassware for Microscale Procedures

As with miniscale procedures (Sec. 2.2), standard-taper glassware with ground-glass joints is commonly used for performing reactions at the microscale level. The apparatus is smaller, however, so the joints themselves are shorter, typically f 14/10 (Fig. 2.3a). 

Sometimes the pieces of glass still cannot be separated. In these cases there are a few other tricks that can be tried. These include the following options (1) Tap the joint gently with the wooden handle of a spatula, and then try pulling it apart as described earlier. (2) Heat the joint in hot water or a steam bath before attempting to separate the pieces. (3) As a last resort, heat the joint c fZy in the yellow portion of the flame of a Bimsen burner. Heat the joint slowly and carefully until the outer joint breaks away from the inner section. Wrap a cloth towel around the hot joint to avoid burning yourself, and pull the joint apart as described earlier. Consult your instructor before attempting this final option, as it is tricky. 

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