Function of octanol/isoamylalcohol?

[A.F. Simpson]

Chris LaRosa wrote:

> You mean to the phenol??? Isoamyl alcohol changes the density or
> partitioning behavior of the organic phase, so that it centrifuges to
> the bottom of the tube and the aqueous phase remains on the top.
> Otherwise, classic phenol/chloroform partitioning would be a hassle as
> the organic phase would be on top.

Are you aure?  My memory of phenol/chloroform extractions during
minipreps (without any isoamyl alcohol added) is that the aqueous phase
is on top.

Yep.  Just checked my old protocol.  No isoamyl alcohol, aqueous phase
on top.

love
Anna