Robert M Rioux, Ajay Sathe, Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

The use of reagents sensitive to oxidation or moisture necessitates the use of air-free techniques. A Schlenk line is a routinely used glass apparatus to perform air and moisture free manipulations in a chemical laboratory¹. The Schlenk line is widely utilized by many chemists since it allows them conduct air or water sensitive reactions even without the expense and restriction of a glove box. The Schlenk line can be configured to inert gas atmosphere such as Nitrogen and Argon or expose the glassware to vacuum. Another way to achieve an air and moisture free environment involves the use of a glovebox. The major difference between a Schlenk line and a glove box is that purge and refill applies directly to the reaction vessels, whereas purge and refill applies to the airlock instead of the glovebox. Besides, in a glovebox, conventional laboratory equipment can be set up with a large inert space, however gloves have to be used to handle the experiment and the glovebox itself is also expensive.

1. General procedure for carrying out a reaction under an inert atmosphere

1. Evacuating the glassware
   1. Start the vacuum pump and fill the dewar flask in which the schlenk line trap is immersed in with liquid nitrogen.
   2. Use oven dried or flame dried glassware to ensure that there is no residual moisture adsorbed on the walls of the glassware.
   3. Seal the flask using either ground glass adapters, or rubber septa. It is highly recommended that vacuum grease is used to avoid seizing of

The Schlenk line is an extremely useful system, allowing the manipulation of air- and/or water-sensitive reagents without the expense and restriction of a glove box. It is most safely utilized inside a working fume hood. Care should be taken to prevent pressure build-up in the schlenk line by ensuring proper ventilation through a gas bubbler.

1. Shriver, D. F.; Drezdzon, M. A. The Manipulations of Air-Sensitive Compounds, 2nd ed.; Wiley: New York, 1986.
2. Tips and Tricks for the Lab: Air-Sensitive Techniques, Sarah Millar, 2013, ChemistryViews at http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/education/3728881/Tips_and_Tricks_for_the_Lab_Air-Sensitive_Techniques_1.html