Advantages | Disadvantages |
The sample is repeatedly brought into contact with fresh portions of extractant, which facilitates displacement of the transfer equilibrium. | Samples are usually extracted at the solvent boiling point over long periods, which can result in thermal decomposition of thermolabile target species |
The system remains at a relatively high temperature by effect of the heat applied to the distillation flask reaching the extraction cavity to some extent. | Large amount of extractant wasted which is not only expensive to dispose of, but also the source of additional environmental problems. |
No filtration is required after leaching | Long time required for extraction |
Low cost of the basic equipment | Conventional Soxhlet device provides no agitation |
Soxhlet extraction is a very simple methodology that requires little training | The Soxhlet technique is limited by extractant and difficult to automate |
Sample throughput can be increased by performing several simultaneous extractions in parallel | Energy consuming and conventionally used high amount of petroleum solvents |
Extract of more sample mass than most of the latest alternatives (microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, etc.) | The large amounts of extractant used call for an evaporation concentration step after extraction. |