Erlenmeyer flask

Erlenmeyer Flask

The Erlenmeyer Flask is a type of laboratory flask which features a flat bottom, a conical body, and a cylindrical neck. It is named after the German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer, who introduced it in 1861.

Design and Usage

The unique design of the Erlenmeyer Flask allows it to be used in a variety of laboratory procedures. The conical shape and flat bottom provide stability, making it less likely to tip over than other types of flasks. The narrow neck allows the contents of the flask to be mixed by swirling, without risk of spillage, making Erlenmeyer flasks ideal for titration.

Erlenmeyer flasks are often used in chemistry and biology laboratories for preparing and storing solutions, as well as for conducting reactions under controlled conditions. They are typically made of glass, but can also be made of plastic for certain applications.

Sizes and Variations

Erlenmeyer flasks come in various sizes, typically ranging from 50 mL to 2 L. They may be graduated, allowing for rough measurement of the volume of liquid contained, although the accuracy of these measurements is not sufficient for many laboratory procedures.

Some Erlenmeyer flasks come with a ground glass joint on their neck, allowing them to be closed with a stopper or connected to other laboratory equipment.

Safety Considerations

While Erlenmeyer flasks are generally safe to use, care must be taken when heating them, especially when they contain volatile or hazardous substances. The narrow neck can act as a trap for pressure build-up, so it is important to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures.

See Also

• Laboratory glassware
• Beaker (glassware)
• Test tube
• Volumetric flask

References

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  250 mL Erlenmeyer flask

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  Titration of NaOH and HCl

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  Microcystis

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  Original design of Erlenmeyer flask

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  Diagram of Erlenmeyer flasks

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  Erlenmeyer flask

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  Autoclaved sterile Erlenmeyer flasks