What is a reagent bottle used for?
Reagent bottles are a type of bottle most commonly used to store liquid or powder chemicals and are made of glass, borosilicate, or plastic. Acid and alkali solvents can be safely stored due to the anti-corrosion capabilities of the bottles. Reagent bottles are often chosen due to their high-frequency insulation and dielectric properties, as well as the potential to withstand hot air sterilisation up to 180°C.
Which material is right for reagent bottles?
Reagent bottles are typically made from either glass, plastic, or borosilicate. The best option depends on what the reagent will contain. For instance, plastic bottles are not suitable for strong oxidising. By comparison, traditional amber reagent bottles offer a far more durable solution, with benefits that include:
- Protection from UV rays
- Strength and durability
- Steady temperatures
It is worth noting, however, that glass bottles should only be used in applications that are not associated with high thermal loads. In these instances, durable alternatives like polypropylene often provide a better solution.
Also known as media or graduated bottles, reagent bottles that are traditionally used for the storage of liquid or powder chemical reagents have earned their place in the pharmaceutical industry since first being manufactured by Duran in 1972.
Choosing between glass colours
Glass reagent bottles are commonly available in two different colour choices –
Transparent Reagent Bottle
Clear glass bottles that tend to be graduated
Amber Reagent Bottle
Traditional amber bottles that aren’t graduated
While the ability to see stored reagents with the use of transparent bottles is an undeniable benefit, amber reagent bottles are both more traditional and more effective in general thanks to UV capabilities. For particularly volatile reagents stored for long periods, amber glass especially provides increased protection for bottle contents.
Reagent bottle sizes
Reagent bottles have traditionally been available in 125ml or 500 ml sizes. However, older bottles can be found in capacities under 100ml, while modern reagent bottles are available in a wide range of sizes depending on applications, including –
50 m l / 100 ml / 250 ml / 500 ml / 1000 ml / 2000 ml
When choosing sizes, it’s important to consider the materials being stored and their use in general, especially factoring for potential limitations like heating and pouring in accordance with mouth size.
What is the right mouth for a reagent bottle?
Reagent bottles are selected based on the perspective of the mouth, as well as considerations like colour and material. This is because reagent bottles are typically available with both wide and narrow mouths, which are each suitable for incredibly different uses as follows –
- Wide mouth: Mainly used to store solid reagents
- Narrow mouth: Best for use with liquid reagents
Pouring is generally easier with a narrow-mouthed bottle, whereas wide mouthed bottles make it possible to easily pick out solids. Other considerations include the fact that narrow-mouthed bottles limit heating capabilities, and can also be easily contaminated.
Ultimately, the right reagent bottle depends on usage, reagents stored, and more. However, there’s a reason why wide-mouthed, amber glass reagent bottles are a traditional option, and you can see that for yourself by shopping with us today.
Click to see our full range here:
