Here's another question for the Nexus. How do I use a seperatory funnel? To my understanding there is a benefit with the use of one over using a baster to draw out the polar solvent layer (feel free to correct me if anything I say sounds out of place or wrong). I want to do this easily, and properly. With as much proper equipment as possible. So before I buy one of these things on ebay somebody please tell me how I would use one? As well as that assuming I'm dealing with extractions of around 100g of MHRB, how much do I need to be able to fit into the funnel? Are we talking 500ml or less etc.

Please don't tell me to google it because I only bother you on the forums when I'm completely stumped on something.

As a side note, I met Dmitry the other day for the first time. I have to say he was a lot more polite and beautiful than I could have imagined. Keep up the good work gentleman, thanks for all the guidance.

Put the liquid inside (basic acqueous layer + solvent) through the top opening of the separatory funnel using a normal funnel to help preventing spills. Wait for layers to separate, put a container under the "faucet"/stopcock opening, then open the stopcock so the lower layer is drained away. Once all the lower layer is drained, add some sodium carbonate water through the top opening, so that it picks up the rests of acqueous liquid that are around the walls, drain that again. Do maybe 3x washes. After washing, let it stand for some minutes so all the droplets of water fall down and drain them also. Then once you have just the solvent layer, drain it to a new container. Voilá

If you use a heavier-than-water solvent like DCM, it will be the bottom layer so its easier to work with (but DCM is not easy to find for some and you need to purify further because it also dissolves the impurities too well).

You cant work with STB, the plant matter would block the stopcock, you need to work with A/B. As for the amounts, depends on the size of your sep funnel. If you have a 1l separatory funnel, you can reduce your alkaloid solution to maybe 600ml, and have space for another 200ml or a bit more of solvent. Also depends how much mimosa (or cactus or whatever) you're playing around with in the first place. I suggest getting at least a 1L sep funnel, not less.

You need to take the stopper off the top before you open the stopcock or the fluid won't flow. Other than that, what endless said. "The Organic Chem Lab Survival Manual" is a really good book that'd help you solve any problems with glassware you might have, you could pick it up for a few quid/dollars.