Under Reduced Pressure

A plethora of organic compormds, their intermediates and above all the pharmaceutical substances are appreciably sensitive to undue thermal exposure and hence, may undergo decomposition when heated to their boiling points. Therefore, such compormdCs) cannot be distilled at the atmospheric pressure. In such a situation it is always advisable and preferable to perform the distillation at a reduced pressure or under vacuo so as to avoid any possible thermal decomposition. However, the extent of reduction in the boiling point shall entirely depend on the extent of reduction in pressure and it may be estimated from a pressure-temperature monograph. 

A t3rpical vacuum distillation apparatus is given in Fig. 3.15. The prominent and major difference in comparison to a simple distillation apparatus is in the design of the receiver adapter. The skilful design of the receiving adapter permits the collection of several fractions successively without breaking the initially attained vacuum in the distillation assembly. 

Procedure. The various steps involved in performing a distillation under reduced pressure are as stated below  

Transfer the sample in the distillation flask only upto 2/3rd full and introduce a stirring bar or magnetic guide. 

The liquid is stirred rapidly and open the apparatus to the vacuum with utmost care. At this stage certain amount of bumping and frothing may take place because of the ensuing evacuation of air as well as volatile components. In case, it is a dire necessity one may adjust the pressure to the desired value by permitting the inlet of inert gas into the system through a needle valve. 

---

Isocroionic acid, -crotonic acid, cis-croionic acid. Colourless needles m.p. 14 C, b.p. 169 C. Prepared by distilling -hydroxy-glutaric acid under reduced pressure. Converted to a-crotonic acid by heating at 180 C, or by the action of bromine and sunlight on an aqueous solution. 

Certain curves, T = f(% distilled), level off at high temperatures due to the change in pressure and to the utilization of charts for converting temperatures under reduced pressure to equivalent temperatures under atmospheric pressure. 

Chloric(VII) acid is prepared by carefully distilling potassium chlorate(VII) with concentrated sulphuric acid under reduced pressure ... 

It is a liquid, b,p. 363 K, but if heated it decomposes and hence must be distilled under reduced pressure decomposition may occur with explosive violence and this can occur even at room temperature if impurities are present. Combustible material, for example paper and wood, ignite spontaneously with explosive violence on contact with the acid, and it can produce painful blisters on the skin,... 

Distillation under Reduced Pressure. Occasionally a liquid, when distillation is attempted under atmospheric pressure, will undergo partial or complete decomposition before its boiling-point is reached. To overcome this difficulty, the liquid is distilled under reduced pressure, so that its boiling-point shall be definitely below its thermal decomposition point. 

It has already been pointed out that a liquid even when subjected to simple atmospheric distillation may become superheated and then bump violently in consequence this danger is greatly increased during distillation under reduced pressure and therefore a specially designed flask, known as a Claisen flask, is used to decrease the risk of superheating. In Fig. i2(a) a Claisen flask D is shown, fitted up as part of one of the simplest types of vacuum-distillation apparatus. ... 

Fractional Distillation under Reduced Pressure. One great disadvantage of the simple vacuum-distillation apparatus shown in Fig. 12(a) is that, if more than one fraction distils, the whole process has to be stopped after collecting each consecutive fraction, in order to change the receiver F. This may be overcome by replacing the simple receiving flask F by a pig (Fig. 13) which collects consecutive... 

For general work, a very satisfactory apparatus for collecting fractions under reduced pressure is the Perkin triangle C, which is shown in Fig. 14, together with the requisite fittings for the complete... 

It is often advisable to lubricate ground-glass joint surfaces with an extremely thin film of vaseline. This applies particularly to joints employed in assemblies for distillation under reduced pressure. For distillations under greatly reduced pressures or at very high temperatures it is essential to employ a special lubricant, e.g., silicone grease. 

Distillation under reduced pressure. The student should first read details of this operation on a macro-scale (p. 28). For micro-scale work the apparatus shown in Fig. 40 is very convenient. A small pear-... 

Add 15 g, of chloroacetic acid to 300 ml. of aqueous ammonia solution d, o-88o) contained in a 750 ml. conical flask. (The manipulation of the concentrated ammonia should preferably be carried out in a fume-cupboard, and great care taken to avoid ammonia fumes.) Cork the flask loosely and set aside overnight at room temperature. Now concentrate the solution to about 30 ml. by distillation under reduced pressure. For this purpose, place the solution in a suitable distilling-flask with some fragments of unglazed porcelain, fit a capillary tube to the neck of the flask, and connect the flask through a water-condenser and receiver to a water-pump then heat the flask carefully on a water-bath. Make the concentrated solution up to 40 ml. by the addition of water, filter, and then add 250 ml. of methanol. Cool the solution in ice-water, stir well, and set aside for ca. I hour, when the precipitation of the glycine will be complete. 

Assemble in a fume-cupboard the apparatus shown in Fig. 67(A). Place 15 g. of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and 17 g. of phosphorus pentachloride in the flask C, and heat the mixture in an oil-bath for hours. Then reverse the condenser as shown in Fig. 67(B), but replace the calcium chloride tube by a tube leading to a water-pump, the neck of the reaction-flask C being closed with a rubber stopper. Now distil off the phosphorus oxychloride under reduced pressure by heating the flask C in an oil-bath initially at 25-30, increasing this temperature ultimately to 110°. Then cool the flask, when the crude 3,5-dinitro-benzoyl chloride will solidify to a brown crystalline mass. Yield, 16 g., i.e,y almost theoretical. Recrystallise from caibon tetrachloride. The chloride is obtained as colourless crystals, m.p. 66-68°, Yield, 13 g Further recrystallisation of small quantities can be performed using petrol (b.p. 40-60°). The chloride is stable almost indefinitely if kept in a calcium chloride desiccator. 

The ethyl acetoacetate obtained as above is sufficiently pure for most purposes it should, however, be refractionated under reduced pressure if a sample of specially high purity is required. 

Physical properties. All are colourless crystalline solids except formic acid, acetic acid (m.p. 18 when glacial) and lactic acid (m.p. 18°, usually a syrup). Formic acid (b.p. loo ") and acetic acid (b.p. 118 ) are the only members which are readily volatile lactic acid can be distilled only under reduced pressure. Formic and acetic acids have characteristic pungent odours cinnamic acid has a faint, pleasant and characteristic odour. 

Bromoform. Commercial bromoform should be shaken thoroughly with water, separated, dried over powdered anhydrous sodium sulphate and then fractionally distilled under reduced pressure using a water-condenser. It should be stored in a dark cupboard. It is an excellent solvent, has the advantage of a high Constant, and very seldom causes association of the solute. 

Before use, the marble chips are washed repeatedly with hot water, and then de-aerated by first etching them with concentrated hydrochloric acid and then boiling them with air-free water under reduced pressure. The chips are then rapidly transferred to the generator small chips should be used and the bulb... 

The dotted line in Fig. 11,17, 2 refers to the modification of the apparatus for use in fractional distillation under reduced pressure a Perkin triangle or equivalent receiver device ( vacuum distilling adapter ) is generally employed for collection of the various fractions. 

Distillation of solids under reduced pressure.—The apparatus shown in Fig. II, 19, 1 may be employed for the distillation under diminished pressure of solids possessing comparatively low melting points ... 

The chief disadvantage of the simple vacuum distillation set up shown in Fig. 11,19, 1 is that, if more than one fraction is to be collected, the whole process must be stopped in order to change the receiver B. It is of value, however, for the distillation of solids of low melting point the distillate can easily be removed from the receiver by melting and pouring out. For routine work, involving the collection of several fractious under reduced pressure, the most convenient receiver is the so-called Perkin triangle the complete apparatus for vacuum distillation is depicted in F g. 11,20, 1. The Claisen fla.sk A is fitted to a. short water... 

The best method for removing water (and also solvents of relatively low boiling point) adhering to solids is drying under reduced pressure. A vacuum desiccator is used for this purpose several forms are shown in Fig. II, 38, 1. These are fitted with the exception of ( ) either with... 

Sublimation under reduced pressure. The so-called vacuum sublimation may be carried out in the apparatus of Fig. II, 45, 4. The cold finger is fitted into the larger tube by means of a rubber stopper... 

Selection of solvents. The choice of solvent will naturally depend in the first place upon the solubility relations of the substance. If this is already in solution, for example, as an extract, it is usually evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and then dissolved in a suitable medium the solution must be dilute since crystallisation in the column must be avoided. The solvents generally employed possess boiling points between 40° and 85°. The most widely used medium is light petroleum (b.p. not above 80°) others are cycZohexane, carbon disulphide, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, acetone, ether and acetic acid. 

Formamide. Commercial formamide may contain excess of formic acid. It is purified by passing ammonia gas into the mixture until a slight alkaline reaction is obtained. The ammonium formate thus formed is precipitated by the addition of acetone the filtrate, after drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, is distilled under reduced pressure. Pure formamide has b.p. IO571I mm. 

Wider passages are provided for vapours and the comparatively narrow tubes, which are usually fitted through holes bored in cork or rubber stoppers, are absent this considerably diminishes danger in violent reactions and also tends to give better results in distillation under reduced pressure as well as diminishing the hazard of choking. ... 

Receiver adapters or connectors. Various forms of receiver adapters are shown in Figs. 11, 56, 26-29. The simplest form. Fig. 11, 56, 26, carries a glass hook for securing it to the condenser by means of a rubber band from the side tube to the hook an improved form, incorporating two ground glass joints is shown in Fig. 11, 56, 27. A useful adapter is illustrated in Fig. 11, 56, 28 when employed at atmospheric pressure, a drying tube may be attached to the side tube, if desired in a distillation under reduced pressure, the side tube is connected to the pump. Fig. 11, 56, 29 depicts a receiver adapter with an additional socket connection. 

Lubrication of all ground glass surfaces is essential for distillations under reduced pressure. Suitable lubricants are Apiezon grease L, M or N and Silicone stopcock grease also Alkathene (a polyethylene plastic), which is especially suitable for high temperatures. 

A set-up for distillation under reduced pressure is shown in Fig. 11,60,3 it is generally more convenient to use a Kon receiver or a Perkin triangle (Fig. 11, 56, 31). The vessel at the side, connected to the assembly by rubber pressure tubing, may be immersed in a Dry Ice-acetone bath and serves as a trap for volatile materials. 

Alternatively, the following procedure for isolating the glycol may be used. Dilute the partly cooled mixture with 250 ml. of water, transfer to a distilling flask, and distil from an oil bath until the temperature reaches 95°. Transfer the hot residue to an apparatus for continuous extraction with ether (e.g.. Fig. II, 44, 2). The extraction is a slow process (36-48 hours) as the glycol is not very soluble in ether. (Benzene may also be employed as the extraction solvent.) Distil off the ether and, after removal of the water and alcohol, distil the glycol under reduced pressure from a Claisen flask. 

For alcohols of b.p. below 150°, mix 0- 5 g. of 3-nitrophthalic anhydride (Section VII,19) and 0-5 ml. (0-4 g.) of the dry alcohol in a test-tube fitted with a short condenser, and heat under reflux for 10 minutes after the mixture liquefies. For alcohols boiling above 150°, use the same quantities of reactants, add 5 ml. of dry toluene, heat under reflux until all the anhydride has dissolved and then for 20 minutes more remove the toluene under reduced pressure (suction with water pump). The reaction product usually solidifies upon cooling, particularly upon rubbing with a glass rod and standing. If it does not crystallise, extract it with dilute sodium bicarbonate solution, wash the extract with ether, and acidify. Recrystallise from hot water, or from 30 to 40 per cent, ethanol or from toluene. It may be noted that the m.p. of 3-nitrophthalic acid is 218°. 

Trimethylene Di-iodide. Use 76 g. of trimethylene glycol, 27 - 52 g. of pmified red phosphorus and 254 g. of iodine. Lag the arm C (Fig. Ill, 40, ) with asbestos cloth. Stop the heating immediately all the iodine has been transferred to the fiask. Add water to the reaction mixture, decolourise with a httle sodium bisulphite, filter, separate the crude iodide, wash it twice with water, dry with anhydrous potassium carbonate and distU under reduced pressure. B.p. 88-89°/6 mm. Yield 218 g. (a colourless liquid). 

Redistil laboratory grade ethylene glycol under reduced pressure and collect the fraction of b.p. 85-90°/7 mm. for use as a solvent for the potassium fluoride. 

Equip a 1-litre three-necked flask with a powerful mechanical stirrer, a separatory funnel with stem extending to the bottom of the flask, and a thermometer. Cool the flask in a mixture of ice and salt. Place a solution of 95 g. of A.R. sodium nitrite in 375 ml. of water in the flask and stir. When the temperature has fallen to 0° (or slightly below) introduce slowly from the separatory funnel a mixture of 25 ml. of water, 62 5 g. (34 ml.) of concentrated sulphuric acid and 110 g. (135 ml.) of n-amyl alcohol, which has previously been cooled to 0°. The rate of addition must be controlled so that the temperature is maintained at 1° the addition takes 45-60 minutes. AUow the mixture to stand for 1 5 hours and then filter from the precipitated sodium sulphate (1). Separate the upper yellow n-amyl nitrite layer, wash it with a solution containing 1 g. of sodium bicarbonate and 12 5 g. of sodium chloride in 50 ml. of water, and dry it with 5-7 g. of anhydrous magnesium sulphate. The resulting crude n-amyl nitrite (107 g.) is satisfactory for many purposes (2). Upon distillation, it passes over largely at 104° with negligible decomposition. The b.p. under reduced pressure is 29°/40 mm. 

Mix 50 ml. of formalin, containing about 37 per cent, of formaldehyde, with 40 ml. of concentrated ammonia solution (sp. gr. 0- 88) in a 200 ml. round-bottomed flask. Insert a two-holed cork or rubber stopper carrying a capillary tube drawn out at the lower end (as for vacuum distillation) and reaching almost to the bottom of the flask, and also a short outlet tube connected through a filter flask to a water pump. Evaporate the contents of the flask as far as possible on a water bath under reduced pressure. Add a further 40 ml. of concentrated ammonia solution and repeat the evaporation. Attach a reflux condenser to the flask, add sufficient absolute ethyl alcohol (about 100 ml.) in small portions to dissolve most of the residue, heat under reflux for a few minutes and filter the hot alcoholic extract, preferably through a hot water fuimel (all flames in the vicinity must be extinguished). When cold, filter the hexamine, wash it with a little absolute alcohol, and dry in the air. The yield is 10 g. Treat the filtrate with an equal volume of dry ether and cool in ice. A fiulher 2 g. of hexamine is obtained. 

---