[tcmbrendan]

If I have a substance that is rather viscous sitting in the bottom of a narrow mouthed flask, what is the best approach to remove the substance while still keeping it intact?

[Arkcon]

Oh, that's easy.  Smash the flask.





What?  You said:

If I have a substance that is rather viscous sitting in the bottom of a narrow mouthed flask, what is the best approach to remove the substance while still keeping it intact?

You meant you wanted the viscous substance intact, right?   I suppose you could scrape as much of it out as you needed, if you can't find a solvent for the substance.

[Archer]

Oh, that's easy.  Smash the flask.

We've all had to do that out of desperation at some point!

[billnotgatez]

I always wondered why we use a narrow mouthed flask when we know we will be trying to scrape out the results of our experiment.

[408]

Dissolve in a solvent.  Transfer solution to a tared sample-holding vial.  Allow to evaporate.  Insert small sample vial with viscous stuff into a larger flask and connect to vacuum to dry any residual solvents.  Remove tared vial with pure, solvent free, viscous stuff.  Weigh.  Win.

[curiouscat]

I always wondered why we use a narrow mouthed flask when we know we will be trying to scrape out the results of our experiment.

Minimizing volatiles evaporation? Minimizing ambient air exposure? Just because most line fittings (condensors, vaccuum, inerts etc.) come sized for standard bores.

[billnotgatez]

Minimizing volatiles evaporation? Minimizing ambient air exposure?

I usually put a lid on a jar when trying to do the above.
I was going to say cork but then we are back to the small neck container again.
My peanut and jelly keeps for a long time with a lid and I get close to the last drop unlike ketchup.

Just because most line fittings (condensors, vaccuum, inerts etc.) come sized for standard bores.

No answer for this one. Is it the same problem as the horses behind determined the road size.