Which glassware is MOST appropriate for performing liquid-liquid extraction?

Choosing the most appropriate glassware for performing liquid-liquid extraction centers around the need for an effective separation of immiscible liquids. A separatory funnel is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing the user to add two different phases that do not mix—such as an organic solvent and an aqueous solution—into the funnel. The funnel has a stopcock at the bottom, which facilitates a controlled release of the lower phase, making it easy to separate the two layers after allowing them to settle.

In contrast, a beaker does not provide the necessary separation capabilities because it lacks a means to control the layers of liquid once mixed. An aspirator is primarily used for vacuum applications, rather than for separating immiscible liquids, and an Erlenmeyer flask does not allow for easy phase separation because its neck is not designed for the controlled drainage of liquid layers. The design features of the separatory funnel, such as its tapered neck and valve, make it the optimal choice for effective liquid-liquid extraction processes.