[mehc]

I know that my question seems something foolish, but its causing troubles and I really need some suggestion.


I don't have access to evaporator, so i evaporate solvent from plant extract by keeping at room temperature. The solvents are usually volatile like methanol, ethyl acetate etc so they evaporate easily.
But the extract i get finally is not in powdered (or like) form, but it is somewhat sticky material. So if i want to separate a portion of it quantitatively,  I can't do it.

Can anyone explain what's the reason or the mistake i am doing.

Thanks

[discodermolide]

You should avoid water getting in. Evaporate under a gentle stream of nitrogen, even with gentle heating. The reason for the sticky mess is traces of the solvent remaining picking up water.

[408]

Yeah, I have compounds that have done that too.  Ensure the solvent is dry prior to evaporation and do it under N2 or Ar usually prevents it from happening.  Prior solvent drying is one of the more important factors it seems.

[mehc]

Ok. I'll try it.

Thanks a lot for your replies.