Re: Reagent or lab grade?

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From: Jeffrey D. Mathias (jeffrey.d.mathias@worldnet.att.net)
Date: 09/01/01-06:03:12 PM Z


Darryl,
You wrote:
> ...Is this what "ACS" stands for after the word reagent?...

ACS stands for the American Chemical Society, who set standards for the
various levels of acceptable impurities in a substance. ACS grade would
meet or exceed those standards. To get an analysis (usually printed on
the label) might typically cost an additional $20 on a gallon of acid.
However, an analysis usually accompanies a product significantly
exceeding the ACS specifications likely making it more expensive anyway.

> ...For instance, sulfuric acid or potassium iodide can be had for
> a third less the cost in technical or lab grade. These are often
> listed as "for demonstration or experiment purposes." What could
> be more experimental?

And "their" definition of "experimental" may differ as a "dog and pony"
experimental demonstration is to a serious research experiment. (Not to
say that fun cannot be serious.)

With an acid used to clear Pt/Pd, like H3PO4, it can be important if a
lot of iron or iron compounds are included as that could hinder the
clearing ability. A clearing bath with a lot of iron already in it
would be like using a used bath, it may work, but not to best ability.

A better judgment of cost may be to determine how much of a particular
substance can be used for how much work (like how many prints can be
cleared by a certain amount of the acid at a certain price).

-- 
Jeffrey D. Mathias
http://home.att.net/~jeffrey.d.mathias/


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