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) […]
Author Archives: ochem
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 […]
Shipping chemicals across borders involves more than putting them in a box. This guide explains how compliant international chemical shipping works — packaging, documentation and what affects lead times. Compliant, hazard-appropriate packaging Many chemicals are classified as dangerous goods for transport. They must be packed in approved, hazard-appropriate packaging, correctly labelled and declared according to […]
Proper chemical storage protects people, property and the chemicals themselves. This practical guide covers the essentials of storing chemicals safely in the lab or workplace. 1. Separate incompatible chemicals Never store incompatible chemicals together. Keep acids away from bases, oxidisers away from flammables and reducing agents, and water-reactive substances away from moisture. Use the SDS […]
When you buy chemicals, two documents matter most: the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This guide explains what each one is, what it contains, and why you should always have them. Certificate of Analysis (COA) A COA confirms that a specific batch of a product meets its stated specifications. It […]
If you buy chemicals in or from the EU, you will come across the term “REACH”. This guide explains what REACH compliance means, why it matters for buyers, and what to expect from a compliant supplier. What is REACH? REACH (Regulation EC No 1907/2006) is the European Union’s framework for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and […]
Beyond chemicals, a well-equipped laboratory needs reliable hardware. This guide covers three essential pieces of lab equipment — rotary evaporators, magnetic stirrers and chemical reactors — and what to look for. Rotary evaporators A rotary evaporator (“rotovap”) gently removes solvents from samples under reduced pressure by rotating the flask in a heated bath. Essential for […]
- 1
- 2
