extraction/isolation of Curcumin from Turmeric using ethanol

I want to extract/isolate Curcumin from Turmeric using ethanol solvent, already know paramaters such as optimum particulate size, optimum temp (140 degrees F) etc, I need to know how to safely set up a basic distillation to recover the ethanol for reuse. I have basic lab glassware incl and heat plate/stirrer, condenser.
Thank you




In their open access article *Optimization of the extraction of curcumin from Curcuma longa rhizomes*, published in [*Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia*, **2013**, *23*, 94-100](http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2012005000117), the authors systematically examined the effect of various parameters on the extraction yield, namely


* drug to solvent weight ratio (1/6 and 1/4 g/g)
* agitation speed (30 and 70 rpm)
* extraction time (12 and 24 h)
* extraction temperature (50 and 80 °C)
* ethanolic strength (70 and 90 % v/v)


Based on their analysis, the following optimum conditions were seemingly predicted:


* drug to solvent weight ratio: 1/6 g/g
* agitation speed: 30 rpm
* extraction time: (12 and 24 h
* extraction temperature: 80 °C
* ethanolic strength: 70% v/v


Please have a look at the full article for further details.




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**Edit**



> 
> I need to know how to safely set up a basic distillation to recover the ethanol for reuse.
> 
> 
> 


That is a rather fundamental question which suggests that you don't have a lot of experience in organic benchwork.


You might want to have a look at the English wikipedia page on [distillation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distillation) for the general setup.


Note that you will not be able to fully separate ethanol and water by destillation. Instead, you will obtain an [azeotrope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azeotrope), a mixture that has a boiling point lower than that of ethanol and water. In order to check the density of your destillate and to dilute again to an ethanolic strength suitable for extraction, a [hydrometer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrometer) might be a suitable tool.


In terms of lab safety, the following points should be considered:


* Do not work alone!
* Ethanol vapour is **flammable**! 


	1. Keep open flames and electric sparks away.
	2. Run your still in a well-vented place.
	3. Have a fire extinguisher at hand.
	4. Have a work space with an unblocked emergency exit.
* If you use standard lab glassware, a stirrer and an oil bath to heat the still pot, make sure that the tubes for the cooling water that cools your condenser are **properly secured** by wire or clamps. Remember that the heating bath is hot! The last thing that you want is cooling water splashing into the hot silicone oil.


On a lab scale, I would would **not** set up a classical distillation apparatus, but remove (and collect the ethanol) at reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator with a water bath! 


* In any case, use suitable **eye protection**!


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