Choosing between a polar protic and a polar aprotic solvent is one of the most common decisions in synthesis — and one of the most consequential. The wrong class of solvent can slow a reaction dramatically or change its outcome entirely. This guide explains the difference and how to choose. Polar protic solvents Protic solvents […]
Monthly Archives: June 2026
Hydrochloric acid (HCl, CAS 7647-01-0) is one of the most important mineral acids in industry and the laboratory — a strong, versatile acid used everywhere from steel pickling to pH control. This guide covers its uses, concentrations, grades and safe handling. What is hydrochloric acid? Hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride gas in […]
Ethyl acetate (CAS 141-78-6) is one of the most widely used esters in industry — a clear, colourless solvent with a characteristic fruity odour, fast evaporation and excellent solvency for resins, coatings and extractions. This guide covers its main uses, available grades and safe handling. What is ethyl acetate? Ethyl acetate is the ester of […]
Propylene glycol (PG, CAS 57-55-6) is a versatile, low-toxicity liquid used across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and industry. This guide covers its uses, grades and why it is so widely chosen. What is propylene glycol? Propylene glycol is a clear, colourless, nearly odourless liquid that is miscible with water. It acts as a solvent, humectant (moisture-retainer) […]
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is often called the most important industrial chemical — produced in greater volume than any other. This guide covers its uses, grades and safe handling. Why sulfuric acid is everywhere Sulfuric acid is a strong, dense, highly versatile mineral acid and a powerful dehydrating agent. Its low cost and reactivity make it […]
Two reducing agents dominate the organic chemistry lab: sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) and lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄). They are not interchangeable — choosing the right one is essential. This guide compares them. Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) A mild, selective reducing agent. It reduces aldehydes and ketones to alcohols but generally leaves esters, carboxylic acids and amides untouched. […]
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, isopropanol, CAS 67-63-0) is one of the most widely used solvents and disinfectants — valued for fast evaporation, low residue and broad solvency. This guide covers its uses, grades and applications. What is isopropyl alcohol? IPA is a clear, colourless alcohol that is fully miscible with water and dissolves a wide range […]
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CAS 67-68-5) is a remarkable polar aprotic solvent — colourless, highly versatile and able to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds. This guide covers what DMSO is used for, its grades, and how to handle it safely. What makes DMSO special DMSO is a polar aprotic solvent that is miscible with water […]
