Conventional versus microwave extraction

Conventional versus microwave extraction

Classical extraction methods, like Soxhlet, usually suffer from several drawbacks. The methods are rather time-consuming (extraction times in the range from hours to days are typically for Soxhlet extractions) and require high amounts of solvents, whereas the possibilities of automation are limited.

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) eliminates those drawbacks. With typical extraction times from 15 to 30 minutes and typical solvent amounts between 6 and 50 mL, MAE is a powerful and widely accepted method to speed up extraction applications.

In an application report available from download from Anton Paar explains what has to be considered when performing microwave-assisted extractions.

Click on the link above to download the Application Report.