Understanding the Difference in Chemical Grades

 Chemistry  

In this piece, guest writer Alan Schuster discusses how chemicals are divided into three distinct groups: reagent, laboratory and technical grade. He examines the characteristics of each grade, as well as the common uses of chemicals found in each category.

Chemicals come in a variety of levels of purity depending on use. For the most part, they are divided into three distinct groups: reagent, laboratory and technical grade. In this post, we'll examine the characteristics of each grade, as well as the common uses of chemicals found in each category.

Chemicals have different uses, and run the gamut as far as their presence in our daily lives is concerned. The cup you're sipping your tea in was created thanks to chemical processes in a factory. The table salt you use to season your food is also made possible through the magic of chemistry. Up along the chain we have corrosive and oxidative chemicals that are used only in laboratory situations to carry out complex experiments. From these examples, it's safe to say that chemicals are pivotal in our day-to-day existence.

Technical grade chemicals are considered to be impure since they contain impurities such as other chemicals, water and metals. As a result of these impurities, they are cheap and are used in processes such as science fair projects where chemical purity may not be a priority. The chemicals in this category are not suitable for making food products or medication since they may be contaminated with fatal impurities.

Laboratory grade chemicals on the other hand usually meet a certain standard of purity that is acceptable for carrying out lab experiments and scientific demonstrations that don't require qualitative analysis. That is to say, if you wanted to carry out an experiment to prove a theory without having to continue on with data collection later on, then laboratory grade chemicals are what you should use.

Laboratory grade chemicals also tend to have a purity of about 98 percent. Chemicals that fall in this category are usually used in a lab setting or science fair projects.

Reagent grade chemicals are the purest form of chemicals, and it's not uncommon for them to have a purity rating of 99 percent. This rating is usually set by the American Chemical Society, or ACS in short. These chemicals are perfect for industrial needs, as well as experiments where quantitative data may be required. These chemicals are mostly used in biological experiments where biological organisms are needed, since they have the ability to bring out accurate results that can be used in a scientific setting that has no room for error produced by contamination due to impurities.

When purchasing chemicals for your needs, please remember to check the purity level by referring to this list so that you're able to make an informed decision. Some grades of chemicals may be dangerous for human consumption given their potency. At the same time, it's important to know the principal characteristics of all the chemicals you come into contact with. Some of these characteristics include oxidative, corrosive, flammable and toxic. While chemicals are useful agents that can be used to create products for mass consumption, we advocate for care when it comes to handling them, as well as being well informed in regards to their use and inherent properties.
 —

SOURCE  Advanced Technology & Industrial Co.

By Alan Schuster

Subscribe to 33rd Square

Author Bio: Alan Schuster is a retired high school chemistry teacher. He still loves imparting his knowledge and experience to others through blogging any time he gets the chance. Click here for lab chemicals info.