Laboratory Chemicals

Laboratory Chemicals by method

What are laboratory chemicals used for?

Laboratory chemicals are categorized by their application; often classified for synthesis, analysis preparation, or analytical methods. Depending on your research or quality control goals, lab chemicals can benefit your work as a safe and effective tool for the following processes:

Synthesis requires a selection of compounds known as reagents or reactants. The goal of using these compounds is to induce a specific reaction to produce a byproduct or new compound. This requires mixing the compounds in a reaction vessel such as a chemical reactor or laboratory-grade glassware.

Separation is a procedure commonly performed during sample preparation or the purification of a target compound. Methods like chemical filtration or dilution are practical techniques that are both highly accurate and often require less complex laboratory equipment than would be necessary for mechanical filtration methods.

A great example of chemical filtration is the use of carbon or chemical resin to extract toxins in the water. This is the same technology used in household carbon water filters. Activated filter carbon aggressively removes chemicals from water, while the carbon becomes saturated with toxins and contaminants to be easily removed.

Chemicals used for binding are ideal for analytical research when detecting target compounds in a sample. In molecular research, using chemical detection is a critical tool for understanding the characteristics and presence of molecular biological materials.

Even beyond biological materials, chemical detection can be a valuable tool for observing the behavior of elemental compounds like hydrogen and how chemical structures interact.

In addition to the practical applications of laboratory chemicals, they can be further classified by hazard warnings and compatibility with chemical laboratory equipment. Understanding these specifications is key to operating an efficient and safe workplace.

When examining laboratory chemicals by use, there are typically four applications:

• Organic synthesis and formulation
• Sample preparation
• Analytical methods
• Tool calibration

Organic synthesis and formulation

Synthesis and formulation chemicals are used for the development of new compounds. This type of process chemistry may require techniques such as synthesis, separation, or purification of a chemical. Depending on your research and development goals, lab chemicals can benefit your work as a safe and effective tool for the following processes:

Sample preparation for analysis

When preparing samples for analysis it is crucial to source chemical products based on both purity as well as their reactive properties. This important step can improve the speed of testing, minimize the risks of contamination, and eliminate the need for additional lab equipment.

For a more detailed explanation on selecting chemicals for sample preparation, visit our page on analytical sample preparation.

Analytical methods

Beyond a well-prepared sample, there are additional considerations to be made when selecting laboratory chemicals for analytical use.

Quantitative chemical analysis like titration requires a reagent to act as the titrant to determine the concentration of an identified analyte. This is achieved by creating a volumetric solution, based on the concentration and volume of the analyte and titrator. In order to completely neutralize the analyte solution for analysis, accurate measurements and purity of the reagent are necessary.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) requires both polar and non-polar buffer solutions to interact with the sample. This technique also requires sample preparation processes prior to running the test. All reagents and buffers for HPLC must be both compatible with the target molecule and of an analytical grade of purity to eliminate the chance of contaminations, or extractables that affect the accuracy of this downstream testing method. To learn more information about selecting chemicals for HPLC testing, explore our resources on HPLC Testing Equipment.

Gas chromatography (GC) solvents are developed to meet the demands of capillary gas chromatography. These are designed for use in residue analysis of low-volatile substances such as pesticides. This keen level of accuracy is needed to detect compounds that are in low concentrations or may be more challenging to test. Using GC solvents is necessary as other grades of solvent may have trace compounds that affect accuracy or mimic components of the target analyte.

Calibration and maintenance

Laboratory equipment can occasionally require calibration buffers and cleaning solutions to ensure that all results are accurate. Calibration is a regular procedure that supports the longevity of your analytical equipment. Selecting high-quality chemicals for each of these uses is critical for a successful laboratory setup. Often times some compounds will require unique specifications to react without error or contamination. All these applications must be executed with quality control in mind – from protocol in the lab to reliable product sourcing.

In addition to the practical applications of laboratory chemicals, they can be further classified by hazard warnings and compatibility with chemical laboratory equipment. Understanding these specifications is key to operating an efficient and safe workplace.

How to select the right equipment that is compatible with your laboratory chemicals

There are a few things to consider when deciding what proper equipment to purchase for your workplace. This is an important choice, whether you are just getting started or looking to update your current facility and explore the latest advancements in the field.

Here, we will break down all the essential factors to consider when selecting the best equipment for your needs.

• Product Specifications: Some products may offer more options via modularity, which may be important to your team if you plan to run multiple experiments or tests. Depending on your lab space, you may also have to consider sizing limitations. Several products require a much smaller footprint, such as bench-top units. Smaller equipment may have an advantage to your workflow and often perform as efficiently as large-sized devices while saving you significant space.
• Ease of Use & Servicing: Depending on your team’s level of experience and the speed required for a single test, having equipment that is easy to handle and maintain is critical to a well-functioning lab. It is ideal to find equipment that is automated or requires minimal user intervention, alleviating additional strain that may be put on your staff.
• Safety: Identifying the hazard classification of your equipment is important for any laboratory space. This might mean re-establishing proper protocols and supplies to handle spills and accidents in the lab, along with safe storage and handling options. It is advantageous to refine your protocols in a way that limits the total amount of chemicals on hand and maintains a smaller selection of compounds so that your lab can be operated safely and simply.
• Environmental Friendliness: Though there are limitations on a wide selection of environmentally conscious lab equipment, it can be a responsible choice for a scientific testing lab. Choosing reusable supplies, when possible, and proper disposal of laboratory chemicals, has a significant impact, especially in an industry where single-use products are readily available.

Conclusion

Laboratory chemicals and equipment are a standard requirement for almost all lab operations. They are at the heart of every standard operating procedure and can make or break your budget depending on how much consideration goes into selecting and sourcing your supplies.

When approaching chemical selection with a keen understanding of how your target compounds might be affected by buffers, solvents, reagents etc., it becomes significantly easier to refine your process and build confidence in your approach.

By following our suggested strategies regarding chemical product selection, you can rest assured that your laboratory will run efficiently and easily with results you can trust.

Chemicals by method

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