What is schlenk flasks?

Schlenk flasks, also known as vacuum or pressure-equalizing flasks, are specialized glassware used in chemical research and analysis. They are named after the German chemist Wilhelm Schlenk, who pioneered their design and use in the early 20th century.

Schlenk flasks are used for reactions involving air-sensitive or moisture-sensitive compounds, where the absence of atmospheric oxygen or moisture is critical for the success of the reaction. They are made of heavy-walled glass and have a side arm, which is sealed with a Teflon or ground glass stopcock. The side arm is used to introduce reagents or gases into the flask, or to apply a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere.

The flask can be evacuated, filled with inert gas, or pressurized with reagents or volatile liquids, depending on the experimental conditions. The stopcock allows for precise control of the atmosphere inside the flask and allows for the removal of reaction products without exposure to atmospheric air or moisture.

Schlenk flasks are commonly used in organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry, material science, and catalysis research. They are also used in the storage and handling of air-sensitive compounds, such as metal-organic compounds and organometallic compounds.