Reagents contained in bottles can be organized according to their purpose, shape, and color. These bottles can be made of glass or plastic and come in a variety of shapes and colors.
There are different types of laboratory bottles that are classified according to their material, shape, and features. Two common materials used in making these bottles are glass and plastic. The bottles can have either a glass plug or a rubber plug. Furthermore, they can also be categorized according to their mouth size, with some having a wide mouth and others having a narrow mouth. Some of these bottles are brown in color, while others are transparent. Additionally, the bottles can be classified further based on the type of mouth, with some having a ground mouth while others do not have any ground mouth.
Storing hydrofluoric acid in plastic bottles is advised, while glass bottles are frequently employed for other chemicals.
Rubber stoppers should be used for alkaline substances like sodium hydroxide and water glass, whereas glass stoppers are more appropriate for organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, and ether. This is because glass stoppers can better withstand the corrosive nature of organic solvents, while rubber stoppers may degrade in the presence of alkaline substances. It is important to choose the appropriate stopper to ensure the safety and efficacy of the experiment or procedure.
Solid reagents are commonly kept in wide-mouth bottles, while liquid reagents require narrow-mouth bottles. For example, liquid bromine must be stored in a narrow-mouth bottle and sealed with wax after adding water to make it water-sealed. On the other hand, white phosphorus in small amounts should be stored in water to keep it safe.
To ensure the stability of light-sensitive reagents, brown bottles are commonly used for storage, as they help to prevent decomposition or deterioration caused by exposure to light. Examples of such reagents include nitric acid, silver nitrate, and chlorine water. It is recommended to store these in a cool, dark place. On the other hand, colorless bottles are usually used for other types of reagents.
A bottle with a ground stopper and frosted interior is ideal for preserving the integrity of reagents. It maintains a tight seal that effectively prevents moisture from seeping in and altering the concentration. On the other hand, drop bottles come with a ground dropper that makes it easy to dispense a specific amount of the reagent. Reagents that deteriorate from carbon dioxide and water vapor absorption must be stored in sealed containers. Examples of such reagents include NaOH, bleaching powder, lime water, Na2O2, and water glass. Concentrated hydrochloric acid, iodine, ammonia water, benzene, toluene, and ether are best kept in plastic-capped bottles and stored in cool, dark places.
To prevent oxidation and corrosion, some reagents like potassium, sodium, and calcium are stored in kerosene, while others such as potassium iodide, ferrous sulfide, and sodium sulfate are kept as solids instead of solutions. In addition, iron powder or nails are added in small amounts to some reagents to prolong their shelf life and prevent deterioration. These precautions are necessary because these chemicals can easily degrade over time if not stored properly, which can affect their effectiveness in laboratory experiments.
Reagent bottles made by German companies are the preferred choice for most laboratories worldwide due to their blue plastic lids, commonly referred to as blue cap reagent bottles. This is due to their reliability and quality, and as a result, they have become the go-to choice for professionals in the industry.