Soxhlet Extraction

Soxhlet extraction is a method used to extract compounds from solid materials using a solvent. The solid sample is placed in a special chamber called a thimble inside a distillation apparatus. The solvent is heated until it evaporates, then condenses and drips onto the sample, dissolving desired compounds. Once the chamber fills to a certain level, the solvent automatically siphons back into the boiling flask, carrying the extracted compounds with it. This cycle repeats many times, efficiently isolating specific substances without the need to constantly add new solvent, making it useful in laboratories for extracting oils, flavors, or active ingredients.