QUICKFIT PYREX : INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY APPLICATIONS

Organic Chemistry Definition:

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions and preparation of compounds containing carbon. Most organic compounds

contain carbon and hydrogen, but they may also include a number of other elements, such as nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, and silicon.

Why is it important?

Organic compounds form the basis of all life on Earth and constitute the majority of known chemicals, making the range of applications in which they are used enormous.

Where is Organic Chemistry Used?

SAFETY - Applications may be using harmful aggressive chemicals, acids, etc. or being used under vacuum/positive pressure.

 Chemical resistance – Borosilicate 3.3 glass has excellent chemical resistance to most acids and bases.

•  Joint integrity – Leak-free joints. No leakage of harmful contents from the apparatus - liquids, vapours, gas, etc. The use of hydrocarbon or silicone grease or joint sleeves can help to prevent joint leakage.
•  Vacuum/pressure applications – Vacuum/pressure safe glass components and accessories i.e. Vacuum adapters, vented adapters, PressurePlus bottles.
•  Joint security – Range of joint clips and clamps available in different materials (PP, PTFE & SS) to hold joint together.
•  Ease of tubing attachment – Detachable plastic screw thread connectors to make the attachment of tubing easy and risk-free.

SCALE/VOLUMES – Select glassware appropriate to the scale of the application.

• Chemical weights/volumes – Milligrams/grams/kilograms of starting reagent & chemicals to be used.
• Range of glassware from microscale kits and assemblies (QUICKFIT & WHEATON) to larger capacity apparatus components and reaction vessels is available – capacities from 1ml to 20Litres.
• Select flasks around twice the volume of the liquids to be heated.
• Allow a headroom in the flask for liquid ‘bumping’.
• Select a glassware with an appropriate joint size to the size and scale of the application.

QUALITY & PERFORMANCE

• Compliance & standards – Many glassware items are subject to applicable national and/or international standards which can define performance – accuracy, shape, wall thickness, dimensions, etc.
• The right size and type of joints
• Only joints with the same joint size will fit together correctly.
• Don’t mix longer A length and B length joints.
• Conical (cone & socket) joints are rigid. If joint alignment is an issue consider using a spherical joint where the joint angle can be offset by up to 15^o.
• Heating glassware – 3.3 Borosilicate glass can be used for most organic chemistry applications, but if higher temperatures (500^oC+) are required use quartz glass, which has a working temperature of up to 1100^oC.

FLEXIBILITY & COST EFFECTIVENESS - Jointed glassware can be purchased in different formats:

• Separate components supplied individually – flasks, condensers, adapters, etc. – offers the most flexibility, as the glassware can be used and re-used to make a variety of assemblies for any application.
• Specific apparatus sets – components are supplied to make up an assembly for a specific application - i.e. 280MC QUICKFIT Nitrogen Determination Apparatus, 100RASX QUICKFIT Soxhlet Extraction Assembly, etc. Particularly suitable where the same experiment or application is repeatedly performed. Saves on buying glassware you are not going to use.
• General chemistry kits – a versatile range of components with compatible joint sizes are supplied in one set that allows a range of organic chemistry apparatus to be assembled – 27BU QUICKFIT Organic Chemistry Kit comprises 9 items that allows the construction of 8 different assemblies.