MOLECULAR SIEVES

Before using a molecular sieve, you first have to determine which one to use. Type 3A if for unsaturated hydrocarbons and polar fluids. These would include methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The 3A refers to the size of the molecule it can absorb. In this case, less than 3 angstrom. Molecular sieve 3A has an absorption capacity of 22% by weight. To dry liquids, add a slight excess of drying agent to the liquid. Next, a little calculation. Call your vendor and retrieve a C of A (certificate of analysis) for the lot of reagent you're using. There should be a spec for water content. The water content value is the moisture in the bottle upon release. An open bottle would have higher moisture depending on how hydroscopic the reagent is. Let's use methanol which is very hygroscopic as an example. Let's say the C of A states the water content is 1.0% which equates to 4 ml in a 4 liter bottle. 4 ml of water is equal to 4 g of water. 1g of molecular sieve will absorb 0.22g of water If you have 4g water you will need 4/0.22g = 18.18g of molecular sieve for excess use 20g molecular sieve. Mix thoroughly and allow the liquid to stand. After a few minutes, the drying agent settles to the bottom of the container. Separation can be completed by decanting or filtration (suction filtration would work best and fastest ). I would recommend putting the molecular sieve into visking tubing to prevent having to filter and storing your fluid over this. How often you would dry a solvent out is dependent on application, use, and humidity. TIP: Depending on application and specifications required, the use of molecular sieves may eliminate to need to purchase expensive super dry reagents.