What You Need to Know
Utilizes reduced pressure (10-200 mbar) and controlled bath temperature (20-60°C) to lower boiling points. The rotating flask increases evaporation surface area while a condenser (often chilled with dry ice) captures distillates. Named for the rotary motion and evaporation process.
Enables chefs to create ultra-pure essential oils, distillates without cooked flavors, and concentrated extracts. Used for crafting clear consommés, capturing floral essences, and isolating specific aromatic fractions from complex ingredients.
Key Parameters
Temperature
°C - °C
Time
45-90 min (500ml sample)
15 min (small volumes) - 4 hours (large batches)
Equipment
Rotary evaporator with vacuum pumpTemperature-controlled water bathCold trap (often dry ice/acetone)Receiving flasksOptional: Fraction collector
Steps
- 1.
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- 2.
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- 3.
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The Science
Primary Reaction
Fractional distillation under vacuum