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 […]
Category Archives: Industry & Applications
How chemicals are used across industry and the laboratory – purity grades, applications and technical know-how from Ozon Chemical.
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. […]
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 […]
Pharmaceutical intermediates are the chemical building blocks used in the multi-step synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This guide explains what they are, why quality matters, and how to source them responsibly. What are pharmaceutical intermediates? An intermediate is a compound produced partway through the synthesis of a finished API. They range from simple building […]
Every laboratory relies on a core set of reagents and inorganic chemicals. This guide introduces some of the most common laboratory reagents and what they are used for. Essential laboratory reagents Sodium hydroxide — a strong base for pH adjustment, titration and synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide — a versatile oxidiser for cleaning, disinfection and reactions. Silver […]
Acids are among the most heavily used chemicals in industry — essential for processing, manufacturing and treatment. This guide covers the main industrial acids, their applications and how to handle them safely. The major industrial acids Hydrochloric acid — metal pickling and cleaning, pH control, and chemical synthesis. Sulfuric acid — the most-produced industrial chemical; […]
Solvents are the workhorses of chemistry — and choosing the right one can be the difference between a clean, efficient process and a failed one. This guide walks through the key properties to weigh when selecting a solvent for extraction, synthesis or cleaning. Key properties to consider Polarity — “like dissolves like”: polar solvents dissolve […]
Chemical labels often carry terms like “reagent”, “ACS”, “USP” or “technical” grade. These grades describe purity and the standards a chemical meets — and choosing the right one is essential for getting reliable results without overpaying. Here is a clear explanation. Why purity grade matters The same chemical compound can be sold at very different […]
