Rotary evaporator

A rotary evaporator (rotavap) is a device used in chemical laboratories for the efficient and gentle removal of solvents from samples by evaporation. When referenced in the chemistry research literature, description of the use of this technique and equipment may include the phrase "rotary evaporator", though use is often rather signaled by other language (e.g., "the sample was evaporated under reduced pressure").

Rotary evaporators are also used in molecular cooking for the preparation of distillates and extracts.

A simple rotary evaporator system was invented by Lyman C. Craig. It was first commercialized by the Swiss company in 1957. Walter Büchi developed a world first commercial rotary evaporator, which separates substances with different boiling points, and greatly simplifies work in research laboratories. In research the most common form is the 1L bench-top unit, whereas large scale (e.g., 20L-50L) versions are used in pilot plants in commercial chemical operations.