Uses of Chloroform

Posted on May 22, 2012 by ReAgent

Chloroform is a widely used organic compound with the chemical formula CHCl3. It is a colourless and sweetly fragranced liquid also known as Trichloromethane. It was used as an early anaesthetic in surgery and dentistry and for this reason those working with the material should avoid inhaling its vapours.

Nowadays Chloroform has a number of important uses such as:-

In chemistry it is used in organic separation
In plastics manufacturing it is used in the bonding process
It is used in organic synthesis
It is used as a precursor in Teflon manufacturing (non-stick)
In the first World War Chloroform was used as a chemical weapon

Chloroform is classified as Harmful if swallowed and as an Irritant to the skin. Exposure through inhalation can cause serious damage to health. Always wear protective clothing when handling Chloroform and work in a well-ventilated area or under fume extraction. Those working with the material should familiarise themselves with the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) information before commencing work. Reputable Chloroform suppliers provide MSDS with all products.

You can buy Chloroform from UK based Chloroform suppliers ReAgent, who offer three grades:

Chloroform (Analytical Use)
Chloroform (Laboratory Use)
Chloroform (General Use)

Please see our website for details of prices, price breaks and carriage charges. Many of our customers enjoy the convenience of being able to buy Chloroform online but we are pleased to process orders received by email, phone, post and fax. Please note we are unable to supply this product to private individuals; only registered companies can purchase this product.

How to Make Coloured Fire

Posted on May 18, 2012 by ReAgent

Purple flames are produced with Potassium Permanganate

Coloured flames are an impressive and exciting special effect which you can easily make at home by using a variety of chemical salts. Different salts produce different flame colours, for example:-

Orange/red flames are produced with Calcium Chloride
Yellow flames are produced with Sodium Chloride
Green flames are produced with Borax
Turquoise flames are produced with Copper Sulphate
Blue flames are produced with Copper Chloride
Purple flames are produced with Potassium Permanganate
White flames are produced with Magnesium Sulphate

To make orange/red coloured flames, simply dissolve Calcium Chloride in a clean-burning solvent such as Ethanol or Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS), then set fire to the solution and the flames will burn bright orangey-red. Repeat this same procedure using the appropriate chemical to produce the desired flame colour.

In a similar manner, pine cones can be treated with chemicals to release coloured flames creating an impressive special effect for an open fire. For example, to make pine cones which release turquoise flames, dissolve Copper Sulphate crystals in a plastic bucket of water stirring well to mix, submerge the pine cones and allow them to soak overnight.

The following morning, carefully remove the pine cones from the solution, then allow them to dry. Once dried, the pine cones can be placed on top of coals on an open fire and you can watch the flames burn turquoise.

An effect of multi-coloured flames can be produced by repeating this process on an individual basis with each of the chemical salts you require in order to produce the desired colours. Once the pine cones are dry, they may be added to a fire for a multi-coloured flame effect. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Do not mix chemicals together!

If you need to buy chemicals to make coloured flames, it is always worth sourcing them from a reputable chemical supplier such as ReAgent, a Quality Assured company offering a 100% Quality Guarantee on all products purchased. Further details of the range you can buy online can be found on our website or call us free on 0800 990 3258.

Care must be taken when handling chemicals. Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by your chemical supplier before commencing work. Keep chemicals away from children and animals. Never use chemicals on a BBQ fire. Store chemicals in a cool dry place. Wear appropriate protective clothing including approved eye protection and compatible gloves.

The special effects described above are intended for occasional use, and should not be used on a regular basis. Dispose of unused chemical solutions according to the instructions on the MSDS.

Uses of Caustic Soda

Posted on May 15, 2012 by ReAgent

Caustic Soda has many uses including as a catalyst in the manufacture of bio diesel products

Caustic Soda is a strong metal base also known as Lye and with a chemical formula of NaOH. It is one of the world’s most widely used chemicals and annual world products exceeds 60 million tonnes. Caustic Soda has many uses including:-

In the chemical industry where it is used to neutralise acids
In papermaking where it helps to separate the fibres and bleach the wood pulp
In animal carcass disposal where it is used to digest tissue
In metal etching processes
As an industrial cleaning agent
As a domestic drain cleaning agent
In traditional soap making processes
As a catalyst in the manufacture of biodiesel products
In the food industry where its diverse applications include noodle manufacturing, olive softening, Chinese 100 year old eggs and Scandinavian Lye Fish production

Caustic Soda is strongly Corrosive and may cause serious chemical burns to skin, soft tissue and eyes. Reputable Caustic Soda suppliers provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) with the product; these sheets give an overview of risks and advice about protective clothing, general product safety and disposal requirements. Always read the MSDS before starting work.

You can buy Caustic Soda from ReAgent, leading UK chemical suppliers who offer a range of strengths and specifications. Our most popular is Caustic Soda Pearl (General Use) which is a high quality product intended for use where analytical or laboratory specifications are not required. We also sell Caustic Soda solutions in a wide range of other strengths and pack sizes. Please refer to the website for details of our products or call us for free on 0800 990 3258.

Boric Acid Uses

Posted on May 11, 2012 by ReAgent

Boric Acid is a relatively mild acid when compared to strong mineral acids such as Hydrochloric Acid and Sulphuric Acid

Boric Acid is used in a wide and varied range of applications such as:-

as an antiseptic where it is used to treat minor burns and cuts
as a component in eyewash where it is particularly effective against conjunctivitis
as a component in athlete’s foot preparations
as a pest controller where it is used against infestations of many insects including cockroaches, termites, fire ants, silverfish and fleas
as a wood preservative in timber treatments where it inhibits the growth of fungus
in the manufacture of glass and fibreglass where it enhances the chemical composition
as a flame retardant substance it is used in the manufacture of plywood, textile products, cotton and paper
in the pottery industry where it is used in the glazing of ceramics
in the manufacture of plasma television screens

Boric Acid suppliers ReAgent offer the material in three different grades; Analytical Use is available in 500 g pack sizes whilst Laboratory Use and General Use are each available in 500 g and 25 kg pack sizes. Please refer to our website for details of price breaks and carriage charges. We are pleased to receive orders to buy Boric Acid online, by post, by email, by phone and by fax.

Boric Acid has a long history of use by man dating back to ancient China where it is believed to have been used in early ceramic glazes. It was also used by the ancient Arabians to preserve their silver and gold. In the early 1700’s a Dutch natural philosopher called Wilhelm Homberg made Boric Acid crystals and found that they could be used as a mild antiseptic and eyewash. This was at a time when the ancient study of alchemy was becoming the modern science of chemistry.

Ferrous Sulphate As Moss Killer for Lawns

Posted on May 4, 2012 by ReAgent

Depending on the level of moss present, the solution can be used as a moss inhibitor by spraying during the period of growth from late Autumn to early Spring

To use Ferrous Sulphate as a moss killer, the chemical is usually mixed with water to form a solution. To begin with use a ratio of approximately 10 gms Ferrous Sulphate/1 litre water but if this does not produce the desired effect, a ratio of 50 gms Ferrous Sulphate/1 litre water can be used . The solution can be sprayed or watered on the area of grass to be treated although it is advisable to test a small area first.

An application rate guideline is approximately 5 square metres for every litre of chemical solution mixture. Be careful to avoid spraying the solution onto other garden plants and paths. After a couple of days the moss will start to turn black and this should be raked out. DO NOT PUT TREATED DEAD MOSS RAKINGS IN THE COMPOST BIN.

After treatment DO NOT ALLOW PETS ON THE TREATED AREA FOR ONE WEEK. When treating paddocks and pastureland DO NOT ALLOW HORSES OR OTHER ANIMALS TO GRAZE ON TREATED AREA FOR 4 WEEKS.

Depending on the level of moss present, the solution can be used as an inhibitor by spraying during the period of growth from late Autumn to early Spring. This will effectively kill the upper layer of moss but if the moss is very deep, the spray will not penetrate the lower layer. By treating the upper layer of lawn with Ferrous Sulphate moss killer every four to eight weeks during the Winter months, this will help to slow down the growth of lower level moss but may not completely get rid of it.

If moss remains in the lower level of lawn, it is best to rake out the moss in early Spring. Although this can be a time consuming process, it is advisable where moss infestation is deep. Once the lower level of moss is raked out, you can treat the lawn with a solution of Ferrous Sulphate which could achieve a 90% success rate in moss eradication.

You can buy Ferrous Sulphate online from ReAgent, a Quality Assured Company with accreditation to numerous Environmental and Quality Standards. Please check our website for further information about our full range of chemicals on www.reagent.co.uk

Ferrous Sulphate has a chemical formula of FeSO4 and is sometimes known as Iron Sulphate, Iron Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Green Vitriol or Copperas.

Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by your Ferrous Sulphate supplier before commencing work. Wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and keep out of reach of children and animals.

Kill Cockroaches using Boric Acid

Posted on April 27, 2012 by ReAgent

You can get rid of cockroaches with relative ease by using Boric Acid

Cockroach infestation is a worrying problem for those affected and unfortunately, cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. However, it is easy to kill cockroaches using Boric Acid.

Cockroaches like warmth and moisture and can be found in homes, restaurants and factories. You can get rid of cockroaches with relative ease by using Boric Acid, a white inorganic powder with a chemical formula H3BO3 which is deadly to cockroaches. In addition to using Boric Acid to kill cockroaches, it can be used to effectively eliminate water bugs, silverfish, termites and ants.

When treating an area of infestation, the powder should be sprinkled gently to form a very light dusting which is barely visible. Even a small amount of Boric Acid will be effective in removing cockroaches when applied correctly. Do not spread the powder thickly and do not use a metal spoon to sprinkle powder. Never use Boric Acid directly on kitchen worktops or other areas where food preparation takes place.

You can buy Boric Acid online from ReAgent, a leading UK chemical supplier who offers a range of grades and pack sizes. Price breaks are available for multiple purchases. Please see our website for details or call us free on 0800 990 3258

As when handling any chemical substance, always read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provided by your Boric Acid suppliers before starting work. Wear protective clothing as appropriate including compatible safety gloves, protective coveralls and approved eye protection.

Uses of Borax

Posted on April 13, 2012 by ReAgent

You can buy Borax online from ReAgent in 1 kg and 5 kg pack sizes

Borax has been used since ancient times and is believed to have been around for over one thousand years. It was used in medieval Europe as a flux in metal soldering whilst ancient China used the substance in pottery glazes. Today, it has a wide range of uses including:

In the manufacture of detergents
In the manufacture of glass
In the pharmaceutical industry
As a cleaning and deodorising material
To clean and brighten laundry
In the manufacture of insecticides and pesticides
In enamel glazes
To produce indelible ink
In the manufacture of pottery
To add a green tint to fireworks
As a food preservative
To control pH levels in swimming pools

Additionally, Borax is used in the laboratory to create buffers for chemical reactions. As can be seen, Borax is indeed a multi-purpose substance with a wide and varied range of uses which is why it is one of our most popular products.

Borax is a widely used chemical compound also known as Sodium Tetraborate, Sodium Borate and Disodium Tetraborate. It appears as white or colourless crystals which sometimes have a brownish or yellowish hue. Borax suppliers ReAgent sell Sodium Tetraborate with the following technical specification:-

Chemical Formula
Na2B4O7.10H2O

Assay 99%
Minimum

Maximum Limits of Impurities
Sulphate 0.05%
Heavy Metals 0.003%

You can buy Borax online in 1 kg and 5 kg pack sizes. Please refer to our website for details of price breaks for multiple purchases and carriage charges.

What is a Spectrophotometer?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by ReAgent

A Spectrophotometer is used to quantify levels of elements in compounds by measuring the amount of radiation absorbed at a specific wavelength

Welcome to the first of our blog posts explaining the function of various pieces of equipment you might find in a laboratory. A Spectrophotometer is used to quantify levels of elements in compounds by measuring the amount of radiation absorbed at a specific wavelength. There are several types of Spectrophotometer which are classified by the wavelength of radiation that they work at:-

An IR Spectrophotometer works in the Infra-red region of around 10^-2to 10^-4 cm wavelength
A UV-Vis Spectrophotometer works within the Ultra Violet to Visible region of around 10^-4to 10^-5cm wavelength

How do they work?

Basically, they consist of a source of light, a means to focus the beam of light, a sample container and some form of detector.

The light is emitted from the source at its given wavelength, then passes through a Monochromator to focus the beam so that only the waves that are travelling in a straight line from the source are allowed through the focus slit.

This wave then passes through the sample, where some of the light is absorbed and the detector then measures the difference in the light that has passed through the sample compared to the initial wave.

The light is emitted from the source at its given wavelength, then passes through a Monochromator

Are they only used in labs?

No, Spectrophotometers can be used in any situation where a change of colour could indicate a problem. However, they can only be used where the liquid involved is transparent. For example, they can be used in a bottling line for wine, beer or spirits. Here, the liquid passes through a Spectrophotometer to ensure that it blended/brewed/mixed consistently by falling within a colour specification.

They can also be used in the manufacture of tinted lenses for sunglasses to ensure that the colour of the lens is the same as the previous batch.

Have they changed over the years?

They have changed over the years as technology has advanced. As with many electrical items, developments in microchip technology have resulted in smaller Spectrophotometers.

They have also improved in terms of their flexibility. Whereas once you had to change a bulb to change the wavelength you were looking at, the newer models are far more flexible and can be controlled by the simple press of a button.

Do you have to be qualified to use one?

As basic understanding of what you are trying to achieve and what you are handling should be more than sufficient for anyone to operate a Spectrophotometer.

With a clearly defined set of instructions to follow, anyone could actually analyse a basic sample on a Spectrophotometer. However, qualifications in chemistry and physics would be advantageous when it comes to developing new methods and interpreting results.

How much do they cost?

Generally speaking, Spectrophotometers cost upwards of £5,000 and can cost tens of thousands. However, prices generally are decreasing due to the influx of more keenly priced electronics from Asia.

We use Spectrophotometers at ReAgent, the UK’s leading chemical suppliers.

Uses of Acetone

Posted on April 3, 2012 by ReAgent

Many people are familiar with the distinctive smell of Acetone as it is an ingredient found in some brands of nail polish remover

Acetone is one of our most popular solvents and has a wide range of uses. Many people are familiar with the distinctive smell of Acetone as it is an ingredient found in some brands of nail polish remover, specifically those aimed at removing ‘long lasting’ nail lacquer such as Shellac. Acetone is a clear colourless liquid which is miscible with water; this means that it mixes easily with water.

Acetone has a great many uses both as a solvent and as a reagent in organic synthesis, including:-

As a heavy-duty degreaser in many industries
As a thinner for polyester resins
To prepare metal prior to painting
To remove residues from porcelain and glass
To dissolve superglue before it hardens
To thin fibreglass resins
As a reagent in biological research applications

Acetone is classified as Highly Flammable and should be used and stored in an area away from sources of ignition, heat and flames. Customers who buy acetone should be aware that it dries the skin and accidental contact can cause damage to eyes and nasal passages.

Always work in a well-ventilated area or under fume-extraction when handling large quantities and avoid breathing the vapours. Reputable Acetone suppliers provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with the product which outline what precautions should be taken when working with it.

We sell Acetone in three grades: Analytical Use, Laboratory Use and General Use. ReAgent are reputable acetone suppliers and you can buy 2.5 litre and 25 litre containers for all grades online. 200 litre drums are also available for our General Use material. We offer many more pack sizes offline also including 1,000L Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s). There are price breaks for multiple purchases online. Carriage will vary according to quantity purchased and all prices exclude VAT. For further information about Acetone and further details of our range of other products, please visit our website or call us free on 0800 990 3258.

How to Grow Crystals with Copper Sulphate

Posted on March 23, 2012 by ReAgent

There are two ways of producing Copper Sulphate crystals

For many children one of their first chemistry experiments is growing crystals with Copper Sulphate. The crystals produced are a lovely blue colour and very easy to create.

There are two ways of producing Copper Sulphate crystals:

Method 1

The first method is very simple and will produce a cluster of small crystals. Start by simply boiling a cupful of water in a saucepan. It will help if you use Distilled Water as this is much purer than water out of the tap and will produce better results. Once the water is boiling, take it off the heat and add half a cupful of Copper Sulphate granule. Stir the mixture until the Copper Sulphate has dissolved and the liquid is a cloudy blue colour.

Now pour the cloudy blue liquid into a glass jar and leave it in a warm sunny place such as a windowsill. Leave the jar uncovered and watch the bright blue crystals develop as the liquid evaporates.

Method 2

The second method is a little more time-consuming but enables the grower to produce a larger individual crystal. Boil a cupful of Distilled Water in a saucepan, then remove from the heat and stir in as much Copper Sulphate granule as you can until no more will dissolve. This is known as a ‘saturated solution’.

Now pour a small amount of saturated solution into a shallow saucer and leave it uncovered in a safe place overnight. The following morning you will have a number of little ‘seed’ crystals. Now choose the best one and carefully remove it, then tie some nylon thread around the crystal.

Take a clean jar and pour in the remaining saturated solution, then suspend the seed crystal over the solution, being careful not to let the crystal touch the side or bottom of the jar. Every day you can check on the progress of your crystal and watch it increase in size. If any other little crystals start to grow on the inside of the glass jar they will compete with your seed crystal so it is important to remove the suspended seed crystal, take a clean jar, carefully pour in the remaining saturated solution, then suspend your chosen seed crystal again.

Continue in this way until your Copper Sulphate crystal is the size you desire, then remove it from the jar, untie the nylon thread and allow the crystal to dry. You now have a beautiful bright blue Copper Sulphate crystal. Well done!

You can buy Copper Sulphate online from leading UK chemical suppliers ReAgent in the pack sizes 500g and 25kg. Please refer to the ReAgent Chemical Suppliers website or call us free on 0800 990 3258 for details of prices breaks and carriage. ReAgent is a Quality Assured company and all products are covered by a 100% Quality Guarantee.

When handling any chemical substance care must be taken. Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by your Copper Sulphate supplier and wear appropriate protective clothing including gloves and eye protection. Children should always be supervised when handling chemicals. Please note, Copper Sulphate crystals are not intended for food decoration and should never come into contact with food or food preparation areas. DO NOT INGEST COPPER SULPHATE.