sargent1015 - 24-12-2012 at 08:29
So I'm trying to extract vanillin with dichloromethane, however, when I do this I get an organic layer that is very cloudy and almost sludge-like and
brown in color.
The ingredients say that there is only water, caramel color, vanillin, and ethyl vanillin.
So what is causing a precipitate in my organic layer? 
Hexavalent - 24-12-2012 at 08:34
Are you sure that it is not just suspended water, or an emulsion?
Unless you are doing it for the experience, why not just buy vanillin online?
sargent1015 - 24-12-2012 at 08:36
Just the experience and the overall cheapness of vanillin (79 cents for a bottle!)
I will have to check, but why should DCM have an emulsion at all? it is not at all soluble in water.
kavu - 24-12-2012 at 08:45
It is nothing unusual, try adding brine and/or swirling.
sargent1015 - 24-12-2012 at 08:46
I tried brine which didn't do anything :/ I then tried just letting it sit for some time to no prevail
Hexavalent - 24-12-2012 at 08:49
Have you tried using any other solvents, such as EtOAc or PhMe?
sargent1015 - 24-12-2012 at 09:03
I'll give ethyl acetate a try, but I am away from my lab on holiday, so I update you in a week.