Can anyone suggest a procedure for soxhlet extraction for isolation of beta sitosterol from dried plant material. which is the best solvent to use? Now I am using hexane as solvent.
Hexane is the best one. You can also use petroleum ether. It wont create any difference. Collect extract from the soxhlet and recrystallize it using methanol. You will get crystals of beta sitosterol. Perform TLC to check the purity of the extract and presence of single compound.
Hexane is the best one. You can also use petroleum ether. It wont create any difference. Collect extract from the soxhlet and recrystallize it using methanol. You will get crystals of beta sitosterol. Perform TLC to check the purity of the extract and presence of single compound.
Hexane or petroleum ether or diethyl ether...any apolar solvet will do....even anyhidrous ethanol will extract...Soxhlet appears to be the most efficient way.