Preparing solutions and other reagents

Teachers and technicians who are unfamiliar with the preparation of solutions (and other reagents) should consult Section 7.6 of the CLEAPSS Laboratory Handbook. Additional information about specific solutions can be found on the relevant CLEAPSS Hazcards and Recipe Book entries.

Listed here are the CLEAPSS Hazcards for some of the more common laboratory reagents. In all cases also refer to the CLEAPSSRecipe Book for information about preparing solutions.

Visit the CLEAPSS website for more information.

Health & Safety

Hydrochloric acid
CLEAPSS Hazcard 47A and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.

Sulfuric acid
CLEAPSS Hazcard 98A and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.  

Hydrogen peroxide
CLEAPSS Hazcard 50 and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.  

Sodium hydroxide
CLEAPSS Hazcard 91 and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.  

Ammonia (aqueous)
CLEAPSS Hazcard 6 and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.  

Calcium hydroxide (limewater - see below) 
CLEAPSS Hazcard 18 and CLEAPSS Recipe Book.  

Note about limewater: calcium hydroxide has a solubility of 1.7 g dm^–3, so the concentration of hydroxide ion in limewater solution is below that normally warranting the hazard classification IRRITANT. However, concerns may arise if the solution splashes into the eye (for example, when blowing into a solution of limewater through a straw). Therefore it is advisable to wear appropriate eye protection and to treat solutions of limewater as IRRITANT.

Preparing and using cobalt chloride indicator papers

Preparing and using potassium dichromate(VI) indicator papers

Handling liquid bromine and preparing bromine water

Health and safety checked November 2007