can you please explain soxhlet extraction and can it be performed with a rotoevaporator

Soxhlet extraction is a process where you have a solid that needs to be extracted using a very selective solvent that may only take alot of time by any other means.

The material is placed in the soxhlet thimble and the solvent in the flask below. The apparatus is put together and heated. The solvent is essentially distilled and passed over the material continuosly. Saturated solvent returns to the flask and is re-distilled. A small amount of solvent is used and will extract all the material if left long enough. If the solubility of the compound is low enough you will get it crystallizing out in the bottom flask.

A rotavap is solely used to strip solvents off of extracted product quickly. They aren't intended to do anything else nor can they be used to extract anything.

thank you