Many over-the-counter ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide because it effectively dissolves ear wax. Why does this happen? Put simply, when the oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide makes contact with the ear wax, it creates bubbles that cause the wax to soften and break down.  Continue reading to learn more about this common chemical and its role in ear wax removal. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions on how to safely use hydrogen peroxide to treat ear wax build-up. What is hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound available in various grades or concentrations, d ..read more

Although both USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) and EP water (European Pharmacopoeia) must meet strict quality standards, there are some important differences between them.  USP purified water is commonly used to manufacture sterile medical products such as parenteral items, surgical dressings, sutures, ligatures, and ophthalmic preparations.  EP purified water, on the other hand, is typically used to produce non-sterile medical or pharmaceutical products. As these items don’t necessarily require zero microbial contamination, a higher conductivity threshold is acceptable. Continue re ..read more

Although both USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) and EP water (European Pharmacopoeia) must meet strict quality standards, there are some important differences between them.  USP purified water is commonly used to manufacture sterile medical products such as parenteral items, surgical dressings, sutures, ligatures, and ophthalmic preparations.  EP purified water, on the other hand, is typically used to produce non-sterile medical or pharmaceutical products. As these items don’t necessarily require zero microbial contamination, a higher conductivity threshold is acceptable. Continue r ..read more

There are three main classifications of purified water, so how do you decide which type you need? The answer really depends on how you plan to use it.  Ultrapure ASTM Type I water (the purest grade) is intended for highly sensitive applications such as cell culture and gas chromatography. Type II Purified Water is suitable for general laboratory use, and Type III Primary Grade Water can be used to wash equipment.  Continue reading to learn more about the different types of purified water and their uses.  Types of purified water Purified water is mainly classified according to i ..read more

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is the primary alcohol that is used in alcoholic drinks and denatured alcohol. Among its many applications, it is used to form ethanoic acid which is most popularly found in a kitchen essential: vinegar. What is ethanoic acid? Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH), also known as acetic acid, is the most typical example of a carboxylic acid. A versatile chemical recognised by its acidic smell and taste, ethanoic acid is the active ingredient in vinegar. It is also used as a preservative, and many foods are stored in it because bacteria is unable to withstand the acidic environment. Ethano ..read more

Whether you need to buy distilled water for laboratory analysis or business purposes, it’s important to find a reputable supplier. This is especially true if you work in an industry that relies heavily on this particular type of water. Distilled water products vary in terms of their degree of purity or ‘grade’. Some are suitable for drinking, while others are designed solely for laboratory use (known as reagent grade) or clinical/medical purposes.  It’s therefore important to understand exactly which grade of distilled water is most suitable for your needs before you buy. Continue readin ..read more

No, you shouldn’t pour acetone down the drain – and for very good reason. As acetone is highly flammable, it could potentially ignite and cause an explosion. It can also damage plastic plumbing and contaminate drinking water and the environment.  To prevent this, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when disposing of acetone. No matter how tempting, never simply pour it down the sink or toilet. Understanding acetone: production & consumption Acetone is a clear, volatile liquid. It has the chemical formula (CH3)2CO. Although it’s probably most well-known for removing nail polis ..read more

Chromatography is an important analytical technique that’s used to separate a mixture into its individual components.  Its invention has contributed to scientific advances in various fields including the agricultural sector, biotechnology, food science, pharmaceuticals, and the chemical manufacturing industry. In this article, we explain the principles behind chromatography and provide step-by-step instructions so you can perform your own simple experiment. It’s a great way to enhance your analytical skills and support your GCSE chemistry studies. What is chromatography? Chromatography i ..read more

Water purification refers to the removal of impurities such as dissolved minerals, sediment (mud), salts, microbes, and organic compounds from water.  There are various ways to purify water, with common methods including filtration, distillation, desalination, and deionisation.  If you’re studying GCSE chemistry, you’re probably already familiar with some of these processes – you may have even performed a water purification experiment yourself in the science laboratory.  In this article, we explain exactly what water impurities are and how the water purification process works ..read more

If you’re planning to pursue a career in chemistry, undertaking a chemistry internship is a great place to start. It allows you to enhance your theoretical knowledge by applying it to real-life problems in a working environment. By learning on the job, you’ll also gain a wealth of practical skills that will give you a competitive edge when applying for full-time positions. Your exact duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the specific sector and organisation you’re working for. Generally speaking, chemistry interns assist qualified members of staff with basic day-to-day tasks, eit ..read more