cokezero
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Posts: 11
Registered: 22-12-2010
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Analytical methods for Home Chemists
Hi All,
At the lab at uni, I often use a range of analytical equipment for determining the product I have made and concentrations it is in. (eg. IR, GLC, AAS,
etc.)
At home though, most of us chemists are not equipped with these machines, so I was just wondering what sort of analytical techniques you use a home
chemist to determine the products produced and their relative conc. ?
I do realise that it is dependent on what you are analysing, as it influences what analytical techniques you would use, so I would be more than happy
for a range of examples.
Thanks
Cokezero
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Magpie
lab constructor
Posts: 5939
Registered: 1-11-2003
Location: USA
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Mood: Chemistry: the subtle science.
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quantitative analysis
acid/base titration
redox titration
other titration methods
gravimetric methods
other wet chemistry methods
qualitative analysis
boiling point
melting point
chromatograpic plates
qualitative analysis schemes for groups I, II, III, IV, and V metals
qualitative analysis schemes for non-metals and radicals
numerous spot tests for inorganic and organic species
flame tests for metals
density
refractive index
polarimetry
[Edited on 13-8-2011 by Magpie]
[Edited on 13-8-2011 by Magpie]
The single most important condition for a successful synthesis is good mixing - Nicodem
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blogfast25
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The good news is that with ever faster turn over of new technologies, some of the 'push button' analytical technology might start to tricle down to
us. Already one member here at least (len1) has an IR.
I've already seen emission spectrophotometers by Indian manufactures that come close to being affordable to many of us.
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Endimion17
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Analytical methods are often neglected at home simply because they aren't so interesting as making various salts and organic compounds, and because
they're rarely needed in the strictest sense.
But when you gotta do it, you gotta do it. I did most of them at home just for the sake of being able to tell I did them, but the ones I actually find
useful and use are acid base titration, some gravimetric methods, flame tests, group analysis, melting point and density (it can be quite useful).
As I rarely have the time nowdays, I often neglect them.
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m1tanker78
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The analytical methods I use most often at home are nose, eyes, fingers and ears. Titrations are nice when you have or can produce a known standard. I
almost exclusively use flame spec when I want to be sure that sodium is absent from product (very useful many times). If the above don't cut it then
I'm probably doing something out of my league. 
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