BACKGROUND: Multi-phase extraction is a novel method for the simultaneous extraction and separation of myricetin from Chamaecyparis obtusa. In this research, an amino ionic liquid-modified MCM-41 was used as the sorbent and the sample was packed with it into a cartridge. A fixed volume of solvent was then use to extract the target compound with several repetitions and to remove the myricetin to the sorbent. The washing and elution of solvent were investigated. RESULTS: FT-IR and element contents tests confirmed that the ionic liquid groups were successfully immobilized on MCM-41. 0.184 mg myricetin was extracted with five repetitions of 1.0 mL methanol. Then 2.0 mL n-hexane and water were removed all the interference and 1.0 mL methanol was purified 0.1 mg myricetin from 0.2 g ionic liquid-modified MCM-41. CONCLUSION: Base on a comparison with traditional extraction methods, the low deviation error (3.16%), small amount of solvent required, highly selective separation and stability of the proposed method justify continuing its development. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry