In STB extraction, how long should one stir heptane before letting the basified/nonpolar solutions seperate? I've done 5 mins and 10mins of nonstop stirring with a big metal spoon and things have gone fine but looking for others' experiences.

hmmm, for the pull from the basic solution i would recommend naphta, bigger yield. heptane is good in the recrystalisation step, it is more selective and leaves more impurities behind.

if you can, use glas or wood to stir a chopstick did well for me. metal might be corroded by the basic solution.

good luck

heptane is fine, depending on your source of naphtha it will contain a large part of heptane anyway.

Just search the forum for your answer its there for sure.

Chose the heptane over the naphtha because of its selectivity. Didn't want as many plant fats and whatnot.