Trimyristin Case

Title: Microscale Solid-Liquid Extraction Trimristin from Nutmeg

Abstract:

Trimyristin is a chemical derivative of Myristic acid, specifically a Triglyceride. Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid which is bountiful in Nutmeg and other oily vegetables that have a high saturated fat content. Trimyristin does not dissolve in water as would be expected of a fatty acid, however, it is readily dissolved in the following (1) Ether (2) Dicloromethane (3) Ethanol (4) Benzene and (5) Chloroform.

Apparatus:

 Flame hood

 Heat Source / Steam bath

 Retort stand / Clamp

 Test tube / Side arm test tube

 Reaction Flask round bottom flask

 50ml beaker

 Reflux condenser

 Coolant source - Water

 Rubber pipe X2 to allow water in and out of condenser

 Ice bath

 Diethyl Ether

 Ice cold methanol

 Diethyl Ether : Methanol mixture (Ratio 1:4) 5mls

 Anti-bumping granules

 Vacuum

 Buchner Flask

 Hirsh Funnel

Aims:

Firstly to dissolve the nutmeg so that it is suspended in solution and extract Trimyristin under heat reflux and thus determine the melting point of Trimyristin.

Experimental Procedure:

Firstly prepare steam bath by connecting to power supply under fumehood as it will take some time for the steam to be produced. All glassware should be rinsed out using distilled water to ensure all glassware is clean, attach rubber tubing to the condenser, clamping the neck of the round bottom flask in situ at this point add some grease to the end of the condenser Adding 1.0217g of Nutmeg powder, weighed out on the balance scales and then transferred to a round bottom flask adding 15mls of diethyl ether and 2 anti-bumping granules,