Overview

Schlenk lines allow reactions to be carried out under modified atmospheres such as nitrogen, typically to exclude water and/or oxygen which may interfere with reactions. Schlenk lines offer a greater level of exclusion compared to the use of balloons and septa, as the atmosphere is purged from glassware.

Reaction steps are typically analogous operations to reaction techniques used for conventional reactions, such as addition of liquids via syringe, filtration and evaporation of solvents to isolate a solid. The Schlenk versions are designed to ensure these steps exclude contact with the atmosphere.

Schlenk lines are particularly useful where solutions are reactive to air, but with solids being reasonably air stable. Where the handling of air sensitive solids is required, the use of glove boxes may be necessary, often in conjunction with a Schlenk line.

Overiew and glassware

Setup & shutdown

Basic operations

Reaction techniques

Other techniques

The guides above cover many common operations associated with the use of Schlenk lines. The Schlenk Line Survival Guide (external link) may be useful to researchers as an additional source of information.