Tag Archives: Gardening

Fun things to do with Glycerine

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What is Glycerine:

Glycerine (glycerin) is a sweet, colourless, odourless, viscous liquid that is widely used in laboratories, industry, around the home, making soaps and cosmetics and umpteen other uses. As well as serious applications it can also be used for many fun experiments and below is just a few that you can try out at home, in school or even at work.

List of Fun experiments with glycerin

  • Making your own snow globes.
  • Creating giant soap bubbles
  • Preserving branches
  • Making Lip balm and Lip gloss
  • How to make glass disappear and reappear
  • The Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine Exothermic Reaction
  • Bread clay

Making you own snow globes:

What you will need:

  • Glycerine.
  • An empty glass jar with a leak proof lid. You can use a jam jar or a larger one if you wish.
  • A figurine, a toy etc Make sure that it is not going to be damaged sitting in water and that it will fit in the jar.
  • Water.
  • Glitter (any colour you like).
  • Waterproof glue.
  • Food colouring (optional)

Remove the lid from the jar and glue the figurines etc to the inner side of the lid. Set it aside and allow to dry fully.

Turn the jar, right side up and pour in a few teaspoons of glycerine. Then half fill with water, stir thoroughly to ensure that the glycerin is full dissolved and add the glitter and food colouring: Finally fill up the jar with more water to about an inch from the top.

When the glue has dried on the lid, carefully place the lid on the jar avoiding hitting the glued-on object from being damaged as it is immersed in the liquid. You should see some water overflowing from the jar which is fine as you do not want any air in the snow globe. Tighten as tight as possible. Turn your jar onto its lid and check that no water is leaking. If there is any leaking you will need to remove the lid and apply some glue into the groves so that it seals it properly.

Creating Giant soap bubbles:

This is a cheap and highly enjoyable way to make your own soap bubbles that will keep children and adults entertained for hours. It makes excellent entertainment at parties, fairs, days out in the park or just in the privacy of your own back garden. It is also a great experiment to try at school to help teachers explain the chemistry and physics of bubbles.

What you will need:

  • 5Litres of water
  • 500mls of good quality washing up liquid.
  • 50mls of clear glycerine
  • A bucket
  • A plastic paddling pool or other large shallow container
  • coat hangers or a hula hoop
  • For enormous bubbles you will need 2 bamboo canes, 2 pieces of light string (one longer than the other) 2 eye hooks, a pair of pliers and 2 or 3 fishing shot weights.

Make up the solution in a bucket by slowly adding and mixing the detergent and glycerine into the water avoiding too much agitation so as not to produce foam. For the best quality bubbles you should let the solution rest for a day or so. The glycerine is used to improve the quality and longevity of the bubbles.

For simple, smaller bubbles you can use virtually any object with one or more holes in it. Try using a tennis racket, a kitchen whisk, cake shape cutters, a bubble pipe, or just a piece of wire in the shape of a circle.

For large bubbles pour the soap bubble solution into a small paddling pool or similar. Use a hula hoop to produce the bubbles by laying it flat in the liquid for a few seconds and then lifting it out slowly. Hold it flat and then quickly raise it, tilting it towards you to produce the bubble. Alternatively take a coat hanger and shape it into circle using the curved end as a handle.

For the super sized bubbles take 2 bamboo canes and screw two eye hooks into one end of each of the canes. Tie a length of light string to each of the eyes and then tie a second, about 2/3 the length of the first string to the sames eyes. The length of strings can be as long as you like and the longer they are the bigger the bubbles will be. It is necessary to add some weight to the longer piece of string and this can easily be achieved by using a few small fishing shot weights attached to the centre of the string using a pair of pliers. To produce the bubbles dip the ends of the bamboo with the string attached into a bucket of the soap solution. Lift it out and pull the bamboo canes apart so that you have a triangular shape of string in front of you. Step backwards and as the air passes through the string the bubble forms. It will take some practice to get the perfect bubble but once you have mastered it you will have endless fun.

Preserving Tree Branches, flowers and leaves:

  1. Cut branches when colour begins to change, before the leaves are completely tinted. (Fully turned leaves are too dry and brittle.) Beech, oak, wild apple, mountain ash and copper beech are well suited for this method of preservation.
  2. Use a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part glycerine. The amount needed depends on the size of the branches. (The stems must be in liquid to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.)
  3. Trim off any small twigs at the bottom of the branch. Slit the bottom of each stem with a sharp knife to 3 or so inches.
  4. Next, bruise the stalks with a hammer.
  5. Arrange the branches in a container of the water/glycerine mixture and place in a cool room for a week to ten days. The leaves will last for years! Makes great centerpieces and displays.
  6. You can do the same thing to preserve flowers, grasses and leaves and any other vegetation that you want to display or just keep for fun.

How to make your own Lip Balm and Lip Gloss:

You can make your own lip gloss easily with a few basic ingredients including glycerine. Glycerin is used in many cosmetic products as it is a natural moisturiser helping to keep lips and skin supple and hydrated.

What you will need

  • Glycerine (1 teaspoon)
  • Coconut oil or beeswax (7 grams)
  • vegetable oil  (4 tablespoons)
  • Natural food colouring (optional)
  • Natural food flavouring oils used in cake making. (5 drops)
  • Microwave safe dish
  • Glass jar
  • Hand whisk

Place the glycerine and beeswax / coconut oil in a dish and heat in a microwave until a clear solution is produced. Carefully lift out the hot dish and beat the solution with a hand whisk until a creamy mixture. Add in the glycerine, the food flavouring and colouring if desired and continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully blended. Cool down and store in a sealable glass jar.

When choosing you flavouring avoid using alcohol based products and look for essential oil types. You can look for fruity, minty, vanilla flavourings which all work well. Other types of essential oils like tea tree oil and rosemary have healing benefits.

How to make a piece of glass disappear and reappear:

If you take a piece of glass and drop it into a beaker of water we can clearly see it but if we place the same piece of glass in a beaker of Glycerin it will completely disappear. Now if you warm the beaker of glycerine the piece of glass starts to become clearly visible again. Why?

A better illustration of this experiment – Fill up a small narrow glass bottle with glycerine. Half fill a glass bowl or large drinking glass with water. Immerse the bottle of glycerin into the water and you can see the bottle quite clearly. Now empty out the water, dry the bowl and half fill with more glycerine. Now see what happens when you immerse the bottle of glycerine into the bowl – the bottle disappears….now that’s chemistry magic!!

Everyone knows that when you place a pencil in a beaker of water the pencil looks like it is bent and distorted. This is because of a property of light called refraction. Refraction causes light to bend when it passes from one substance into another, in this case from air to water. Since light travels slower in water than in air, water is said to have a greater optical density and refractive index.

Similarly when the piece of glass is dropped in the water the light travels slower through the glass than through the water and we can clearly see it as easily as if it was sitting on our hand.

In the case of glass and glycerol, these two have very similar refractive indexes (approx 1.47) and light passing through both mediums will bend the light by the same amount and there is no change in the path of light rays passing through both the mediums. Because of this we cannot detect the presence of piece of glass in the glycerin and hence the piece of glass looks invisible for our eyes. When we heat the glycerine the refractive index of the glass changes and light passes through it faster as if it were passing through water. Now the refractive indexes of the glycerine and glass are different and the light is bent through the glass making the glass visible.

The Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine Exothermic Reaction:

Please Note – this experiment is potentially hazardous producing fire and gas and must only be done by experienced adults in a safe controlled environment, either in a fume cupboard or outdoors. Always make sure that a bucket of sand is at hand to control the fire if necessary.

The experiment illustrates the oxidising power of potassium permanganate and that glycerine is a carbohydrate, a good source of energy. It also shows how an exothermic reaction occurs creating heat and light spontaneously from 2 chemicals.

What you will need

  • A pestle and mortar
  • A ceramic dish
  • A dropper
  • Potassium permanganate
  • Glycerin

First weigh out about 10g of potassium permanganate crystals and grind up to a very fine powder. Wear suitable personnel protection equipment to prevent inhaling any of the fine powder. Then place in a small pile in the centre of a ceramic dish and carefully using a dropper place 5 drops of glycerine into the centre of the pile. After less than a minute smoke will start appearing as the reaction begins and all of a sudden it will burst into a bright purple flame.

Making bread clay:

Making bread clay is simple yet fun to do for children of all ages. It can be moulded into all sorts of sizes and shapes and painted.

what you will need:

  • 6 slices of white bread with crust removed.
  • PVA glue (6 tablespoons)
  • Glycerine (2 tablespoons)
  • Food colouring (optional)
  • Mixing bowl.

Break up the bread in a bowl and add the PVA glue. Knead the mixture until a uniform paste is formed. Add the glycerine and food colouring and continue blending. Remove the paste and cut into desired shapes either using cookie cutters or moulding into your own shape. Brush the shape with an equal mixture of glue and water for a glossy finish. Allow to dry overnight before painting with acrylic paints.

Where to Buy Glycerine BP online UK

Where to buy glycerine GR Grade


How to make Bordeaux Mixture with Copper Sulphate and Hydrated Lime

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Copper sulphate Pentahydrate

calcium hydroxide

Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4), is a common salt of copper. Copper sulfate exists as a series of compounds that differ in their degree of hydration. The anhydrous form is a pale green or gray-white powder, while the hydrated form is bright blue. The archaic name for copper(II) sulfate is “blue vitriol” or “bluestone”. The most common form of copper sulphate is in the pentahydrate form and there are over 100 manufacturers producing around 200,000 tonnes per annum. Approximately three-quarters of copper sulphate pentahydrate is used in agriculture, principally as a fungicide, but also for treating copper-deficient soils. Two commonly used fungicide solutions containing copper sulphate are the Bordeaux Mixture and the Burgundy Mixture.

What is a Bordeaux Mixture ?

The Bordeaux mixture (also known as the Bordo Mix) was developed in the 19th century in France to control a downy mildew that caused problems on vines in the Bordeaux region of France. It contains a blend of copper sulphate and hydrated lime in water and is used to control different diseases on a wide range of plants and crops. It is used mainly to control garden, vineyard, nursery and farm infestations of fungi. It is the copper ions in the bordeaux mixture which kills the fungal spores by preventing the spores germinating. As such, the product is only effective as a prevention and not as a treatment for the fungus after it has formed.

Among Bordeaux’s many uses are applications in autumn and winter to manage:

  • Fire blight on pears and apples;
  • Leaf curl and shot hole on peaches and nectarines;
  • Downy mildew and powdery mildew on grapes;
  • Peacock spot on olives;
  • Walnut blight on walnut; and
  • Black spot on roses.

How to prepare the Bordeaux Mixture:

Ideally solutions should be prepared fresh. The conventional method of describing the mixture’s composition is to give the weight of CuSO4, the weight of hydrated lime and the volume of water, in that order. The percentage of the weight of CuSO4 to the weight of water employed determines the concentration of the mixture. Thus a 1% Bordeaux mixture, which is typical, would have the formula 1:1:100, with the first “1″ representing 1 kg CuSO4 (pentahydrate), the second representing 1 kg hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), and the 100 representing 100 litres (100 kg) water. As CuSO4 contains 25% copper, the copper content of a 1% Bordeaux mixture would be 0.25%.

For small-scale preparation: add 3 1/3 tablespoons of copper sulfate and 10 tablespoons of  hydrated lime in 5 Litres of water.

To make – dissolve the copper sulphate in half the water and dissolve the hydrated lime in the other half of the water. When both are fully dissolved, mix the two solutions together and stir well.

Please Note: it is important that metal containers in particular, iron, are not used to make up the Bordeaux solution. Use wooden or plastic containers.

Bordeaux mixture has been found to be harmful to fish, livestock and—due to potential build up of copper in the soil—earthworms.

Because Bordeaux can leave a blue-green discoloration on plants or painted surfaces, use it on dormant, deciduous plants that are away from buildings and fences.

How to use Bordeaux Mixture.

Spraying with Bordeaux mixture should be carried out before the season of spores starts. Typical usage solutions are 0.5% to 1.0% Bordeaux mix. Do not use solutions stronger than 1% as this may harm plants. Apply at 2 to 3 week intervals to give complete protection.

When applying Bordeaux, be sure to wear protective clothing, including goggles, because the spray deposit is corrosive, can permanently stain clothing, and is difficult to wash off.

Where to buy copper sulphate online UK

Where to buy hydrated lime / calcium hydroxide online UK

How To Change The Color Of Hydrangeas With Aluminum Sulfate

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Hydrangeas are fascinating in that, unlike most other plants, the color of their flowers can change dramatically.

It would be nice if one could change the color of hydrangeas easily. But for most of us, it is not easy. The people who have the most control over the color of their hydrangeas are those who grow them in containers. It is much easier to control or alter the pH of the soil in a container than it is in the ground.

On the other hand, hydrangeas often change color on their own when they are planted or transplanted. They are adjusting to the new environment. It is not unusual to see several different colors on one shrub the next year after planting.

It is much easier to change a hydrangea from pink to blue than it is from blue to pink. Changing a hydrangea from pink to blue entails adding aluminum to the soil.

Changing from blue to pink means subtracting aluminum from the soil or taking it out of reach of the hydrangea. This can be achieved by first treating the soil with a phosphorous based fertilizer followed by a treatment of lime or calcium. the pH should be raised to 6.0 to 6.5 but never higher than this.

In order to change the flowers of the hydrangea from pink to blue there needs to be aluminium present in the soil and a pH of less than 7 ideally between 5.2 and 5.5 (Acidic). Only plants older than 2 years which are established should be treated. Before commencing treatment to change colour it is strongly advisable to water plants thoroughly every day for a week. Where possible test soil around hydrangeas for pH.

Add 15g (1 tablespoon) of aluminium sulphate in a litre of warm water and allow to sit for 15-30 minutes to dissolve. Add this to a watering can and make up to 5 litres with cold water. Apply the solution around the based of the hydrangea. DO NOT OVERUSE as making the soil too acidic can result in damage to the roots. Check the pH and maintain it between 5.2 and 5.5. Other simple things you can do include adding as grass clippings, coffee grounds and fruit or vegetable peelings to help lower pH levels. Potassium rich fertilizers will also help to achiev this.

Where to Buy Aluminum Sulphate online UK

What is Magnesium Chloride Technical Grade and what is it used for ?

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magnesium chloride hexahydrate

magnesium chloride hexahydrate

What is Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a naturally occurring salt with the formula MgCl2 6(H2O). It is mostly produced from sea water and in particular the Dead Sea. It is a colourless to white, odourless salt with a bitter taste. It has been used for centuries as an aid to improving health and well being. Its therapeutic properties are well recognised and people flock to the Dead Sea every year to bathe in its water to rejuvenate themselves. The main uses for magnesium chloride are in the paper, textiles, cement and refrigeration industries. It also finds major applications as a de-icer and a water treatment in aquariums.

Properties of magnesium chloride hexahydrate

  • CAS No.: 7791–18–6
  • EINECS: 232–094–6
  • Magnesium chloride hexahydrate: 99% minimum
  • Magnesium chloride: 47% minimum
  • Calcium chloride: 2.2% maximum
  • Sodium chloride: 0.5% maximum
  • Potassium chloride: 0.2% maximum
  • Formula: MgCl2 6H2O
  • Purity: 99%
  • Mol weight: 203.3
  • Density: 1.569
  • Melting point: 117C
  • Water solubility: 2350 g/L (20 C)
  • Appearance:: White flakes
  • pH: 8.4 270g/l at 20C)
  • High quality magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea
  • Free from phosphate, bromides and ammonia
  • Dissolves quickly to provide clear solution

Where to Buy Magnesium chloride online

USES OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE:

  • Additive for marine aquariums (see below for details)
  • For batheing
  • Used as a deicer and prevents the formation of ice on surfaces
  • Used in the manufacture of textiles, fire proofing agents, cements and refrigeration bri­ne.
  • Used to make sorrel cement.
  • Used for dust control.
  • For the manufacture of magnesium metal and other magnesium compounds.

Magnesium Chloride for health benefits

For many years Magnesium chloride has been used for batheing and ingesting to improve health and well being. For an insight into the many health benefits of the “Miracle mineral” click here

PLEASE NOTE that although our magnesium chloride is a natural salt produced from the waters of the Dead Sea it has not been purified to be taken orally or ingested and as such we do not promote it for this purpose.

MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE IN MARINE AQUARIUMS:

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is for adding magnesium to sea water. Severely low values of magnesium (900 mg/L or below) can cause low pH values and an inability to maintain proper alkalinity and calcium values. If magnesium becomes too low, coral growth will stop and followed by a decline in coral health. Carbonates and calcium are essential for all growth of corals, coralline algae, clams and invertebrates. Maintaining the correct magnesium values is very important and is indirectly responsible for coral and coralline algae growth by making it possible to maintain correct calcium, alkalinity and pH values. The magnesium content must often be increased, as shortfalls in the content can arise for various reasons. The normal magnesium content is around 1.30 – 1.40 mg/litre (1300–1400 ppm). To increase the magnesium content you need magnesium chloride hexahydrate or a mixture of magnesium chloride and magnesium sulphate (ratio of 7:1).

Visit our Reef Range & Aquarium Information site

How to dose aquarium with magnesium chloride

50g will raise Magnesium levels by approximately 60ppm in 100 litres of salt water. It is not recommended to increase Magnesium levels by more than 60ppm per day. Simply mix the required amount into a few litres of Reverse Osmosis Water, once dissolved, slowly add to your tank in an area of high flow, preferably over a period of an hour. Alternatively add to your evaporation top up water and top up as normal.

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Magnesium Chloride as a de-icer

Magnesium chloride is considered by some to the best overall ice melting compound. It is safe to use around plant life and it is less corrosive than other ice melting compounds. Magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic compound meaning it absorbs moisture. This allows the magnesium chloride to dissolve into a brine solution very quickly hence melting ice and snow very quickly. Relatively harmless to plant life, magnesium chloride is an environmentally friendly alternative for melting ice and snow. Magnesium chloride can effectively melt ice and snow in temperatures as low as –30 degrees Celsius.

Magnesium chloride is safe to use around animals and it will not affect the paws of cats or dogs etc. It does not produce any residues that can damage carpets etc.

The product is simply applied by sprinkling the powder over the ice. When used as a solution magnesium chloride has the added advantage of preventing ice forming on surfaces when applied before freezing. This solution is made up by dissolving 30g per litre of water. It can be sprayed at a rate of approx 5 sq m per litre.

Health & safety

Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.

See MSDS for magnesium chloride hexahydrate for full details

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Where to Buy Magnesium chloride online

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Where Buy Magnesium Sulphate / sulfate online

 

What is Calcium Nitrate and what are its uses?

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calcium nitrate tetrahydrate

What is Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate?

Calcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter) is the inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO3)2 4H20. This colourless to white monoclinic crystal absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. Calcium nitrate is manufactured by neutralising nitric acid with calcium carbonate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers.

Properties of calcium nitrate:

  • Synonyms: calcium nitrate, calcium dinitrate; nitrate de calcium; nitrato de calcio; Calciumnitrat; nitric acid calcium salt; Calcium nitrate hydrate (1:2:4);
  • CAS Number : 13477–34–4
  • EINECS : 233–332–1
  • Molecular formula: Ca(NO3)2 4H20
  • Molar mass: 236.15
  • Appearance: colourless to white solid
  • Density: 1.89
  • Melting point: 42.7 oC
  • Boiling point: 132 oC
  • Solubility in water: 129 g/100 mL (20 oC)
  • Solubility: dissolves in alcohol and acetone
  • pH Value: 5–7

Calcium nitrate easily dissolve in water , methyl alcohol and ethanol.

Where to Buy calcium nitrate tetrahydrate online

Uses For Calcium Nitrate

  • Commonly used in fertilizer See below for more information
  • Used as a plant food
  • Corrosion inhibitor in diesel fuel
  • Used in manufacture of matches & fireworks

Calcium nitrate is mainly used as coagulant in rubber latex manufacture and asa refrigerant. It is also used in oil exploratory well and sewage treatment. In agriculture it is used as soiless culture and fast-effective fertilizer for acid soil. It also can be used to make fireworks and incandescent lamp chimney in light industry, to produce explosives in national defense industry and to paint negative pole in electron instrument industry. It is also a raw material in making other nitrates.

Calcium Nitrate as a fertiliser

calcium nitrate is used as a fertiliser as it increases yield and quality of fruit and crops, it builds up resistance to disease and pests, it extends the storage life of fruits, it permits rapid absorption of calcium and nitrate by plants, it does not burn and it doesn’t create alkaline or salt conditions. Calcium nitrate provides 15.5% nitrogen and 26.3% calcium which can be rapidly absorbed by plants.

The use of Calcium Nitrate in saline soils, maintains high calcium levels which will reduce the plants uptake of sodium resulting in improved plant growth. Improved soil structure: The calcium in Calcium Nitrate displaces sodium in the soil profile, which improves soil structure increasing water and oxygen infiltration in sodic soils.
Improved disease tolerance: Calcium strengthens the plants cells and improves disease tolerance. Low calcium cells are weak with lower resistance to disease invasion and a tendency to leak nutrient from the cell provides a ready source of food source for disease to develop. Examples of this include: Botrytis in roses, lettuces, stone fruit and clubroot in brassicas.
Applications of calcium nitrate also improve the storage quality of crops reducing bitter pit in apples, bulb rot in onions and Erwinia soft rot in potatoes; it permits longer shelf life of table grapes, stone fruit and fresh flowers. Other benefits of feeding with calcium nitrate include improved skin and peel appearance with reduced blemishes and improved stress tolerence.

Ground application: 125 to 250 kg/ha. Up to 3 applications per season depending on crop.
Foliar application: 500 to 800 grams per 100 litres. Up to 10 applications per season depending on crop.
Hydroponic solutions: Run at 1 gram per litre of water flowing through the system.

Health & safety

R-phrases: R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire.

For full details see MSDS for calcium nitrate tetrahydrate

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Where to Buy calcium nitrate tetrahydrate online

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What is Sodium Gluconate and what is it used for?

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sodium gluconate FCC

What is Sodium gluconate :

Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid and is produced by fermentation of glucose. It is a white granular, crystalline solid which is very soluble in water. It is non corrosive, non toxic, biodegradable and renewable. It is resistant to oxidation and reduction even at high temperatures. The main property of sodium gluconate is its excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium and other heavy metals. It is a superior chelating agent than EDTA, NTA and phosphonates.

Properties & specification of sodium gluconate:

  • Systematic name: sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R’)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhe­xanoate
  • Other names: D-Gluconic Acid, Monosodium Salt; E576; Natriumgluconat; D-Gluconsaure; Natriumsalz; Natrium D-Gluconat;
  • Purity: 99+%
  • CAS No: 527–07–1
  • EINECS: 208–407–7
  • Molar mass: 218.14 g/mol
  • Chemical formula: NaC6H11O7
  • Appearance: white crystalline solid
  • Heavy metals: 0.002% max
  • Lead: 0.001% max
  • Reducing substances: 0.5%
  • Chloride: 0.07% max
  • Sulphate: 0.05% max
  • Arsenic: 3ppm max
  • pH: 6.5–7.3
  • Solubility: soluble in water 590 g/l @ 25C
  • Melting point: soluble in water 590 g/l @ 25C

Sodium gluconate is soluble in cold water and hot water. It is only partially soluble in methanol and ethanol.

Where to Buy Sodium Gluconate online

Uses for Sodium Gluconate:

  • In the field of medicine, it can maintain the balance of acid and alkali in the human body, and recover the normal operation of nerves.
  • It can be used in the prevention and cure of the syndrome for low sodium.
  • It can be used as a water quality stabilizer because it has excellent inhibiting capacity to scale.
  • Used as surface cleaning agent for metals
  • Used as cleaning agent of glass bottles
  • It also can be used as water reducing agent and retarder in the building industry. Sodium gluconate is also an efficient set retarder and a good plasticiser & water reducer for concrete, cement, mortar and gypsum.

Sodium gluconate in the Food Industry (food grade only)

Sodium gluconate acts as a stabilizer, a sequestrant and a thickener when used as a food additive (E576). It is approved by CODEX for use in dairy products, processed fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, cereals, processed meats, preserved fish etc etc.

Sodium gluconate in Pharmaceutical industry (pharmaceutical grade only)

In the medical field,it can keep the balance of acid and alkali in the human body,and recover the normal operation of nerve. It can be used in the prevention and cure of syndrome for low sodium.

Sodium gluconate in cosmetics & Personal Care products

Sodium gluconate is used as a chelating agent to form complexes with metal ions which can influence the stability and appearance of cosmetic products. Gluconates are added to cleansers and shampoos to increase the lather by sequestering hard water ions. Gluconates are also used in oral and dental care products such as toothpaste where it is used to sequester calcium and helps to prevent gingivitis.

Sodium gluconate in the cleaning industry

Sodium gluconate is commonly found in many household and industrial cleaners. This is because on its multi functionality. It acts as a chelating agent, a sequestering agent, a builder and a redeposition agent. In alkaline cleaners like dishwasher detergents and degreasers it prevents hard water ions (magnesium and calcium) interfering with the alkalies and allows the cleaner to perform to its maximum ability.
Sodium gluconate helps as a soil remover for laundry detergents as it breaks the calcium bond holding the dirt to the fabric and further prevents the soil redepositing onto the fabric again.
Sodium gluconate helps to protect metals like stainless steel when strong caustic based cleaners are used. It helps to break down scale, milkstone and beerstone. As a result it finds application in many acid based cleaners especially those formulated for use in the food industry.

Industrial Applications of sodium gluconate

Sodium gluconate is used in electroplating and metal finishing because of its strong affinity for metal ions. Acting as a sequestrant it stabilises the solution preventing impurities from triggering undesirable reactions in the bath. The chelation properties of gluconate assist in the deterioration of the anode thus increasing plating bath efficiency. Gluconate can be used in copper, zinc and cadmium plating baths for brightening and increasing luster.

Sodium gluconate is used in agrochemicals and in particular fertilisers. It helps plants and crops to absorb necessary minerals from the soil.

It is used in the paper and pulp industries where it chelates out metallic ions which cause problems in the peroxide and hydrosulphite bleaching processes.

Sodium gluconate in Construction Industry

Sodium gluconate is used as a concrete admix. It offers several benefits including improved workability, retarding setting times, reducing water, improved freeze-thawing resistance, reduced bleeding, cracking and dry shrinkage. When added at a level of 0.3% sodium gluconate can retard setting time of cement to over 16 hours depending on ratio of water and cement, temperature etc. As it acts as a corrosion inhibitor it helps to protect iron bars used in concrete from corrosion.

Sodium gluconate as a corrosion inhibitor

When sodium gluconate is present in water above 200ppm it protects steel and copper from corrosion. Water pipes and tanks composed of these metals are prone to corrosion and pitting caused by dissolved oxygen in the circulation water. This leads to cavitation and degradation of the equipment. The sodium gluconate reacts with the metal producing a protective film of the gluconate salt of the metal eliminating the possibility of the dissolved oxygen to come into direct contact with the metal.

In addition sodium gluconate is added to deicing compounds like salt and calcium chloride which are corrosive. This helps protect metal surfaces from being attacked by the salts but not deterring from the salt’s ability to dissolve ice and snow.

Other industrial applications of importance include bottle washing, photo chemicals, textile auxiliaries, plastics and polymers, inks, paints and dyes and Water treatment.

Health & safety

This product is not classified according to the EU regulations.

Safety phrase: S24/25– Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

For full details see MSDS for sodium gluconate

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Where to Buy Sodium Gluconate online

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Where to Buy EDTA Disodium salt online UK

Where to Buy EDTA tetra sodium salt online UK

What is Hydrated Magnesium Silicate powder and what is it used for?

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Hydrated Magnesium Silicate

What is Hydrated Magnesium Silicate powder?

Refined Hydrated magnesium silicate, also known commonly as Talc is an off-white powder. It is a common metamorphic mineral found naturally throughout the world. Talc is the softest mineral on the planet and is a tri-octahedral layered mineral with a similar structure to pyrophyllite but with magnesium in the octahedral sites of the composite layers. It is relatively inert and is virtually insoluble in water, weak acids and weak bases. Although it has very little chemical reactivity, talc does have an affinity for certain organic chemicals. Above 900C, talc loses its hydroxyl groups and above 1050C, it converts into anhydrous magnesium silicate. Above 1300C it melts. Talc is used in many industries such as paper making, plastic, paint and coatings, rubber, food, electric cable, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ceramics, etc.

Properties and specification of Hydrated Magnesium Silicate

  • Synonyms: Soapstone; steatite; talcum; Talc, magnesium silicate;
  • CAS number: 14807–96–6
  • EINECS: 238–877–9
  • Purity:
  • Appearance: white translucent
  • Formula: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
  • Molecular weight: 379.26
  • MgO content: 31.80%
  • SiO content: 60.0%
  • Average particle size (d50): 12.0 microns
  • Sieve residue (45 micron mesh): >98% passing
  • Surface area: 4.3m2/g
  • Mohs hardness: 1.0
  • pH: 8.4–9.4
  • Bulk Density (loose): 0.81 g/mol
  • Specific gravity: 2.75 g/cm3
  • Solubility in water: insoluble
  • Melting point: >1300C
  • Refractive index: 1.59
  • Oil Absorption: 37g/100g

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USES FOR HYDRATED MAGNESIUM SILICATE

Talc has many applications in industry as it offers the following functions: lubricant, filler, electric and heat insulator, anti stick, anti cake, carrier, thickener, adsorbent, strengthener and an extender. Its key charcteristics are its softness, chemical inertness, affinity for organic chemicals and whiteness.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the ceramics industry

A material used in all types of glazes to produce typical magnesium effects i.e. in large quantities, opacity and vellum texture. Having low expansion and contraction it can cure crazing. Talc is also used to introduce magnesium and silica into bodies, particularly those fired at low temperatures, acting as a flux. It is used in the manufacture of floor and wall tiles and sanitaryware, tableware, and technical ceramics

However, it reduces plasticity, and is more suitable for castware, tiles and where whiteness is important. Low expansion makes it an appropriate ingredient of flameproof bodies. It is also employed as a matting agent in earthenware glazes and can be used to produce magnesia mattes at high temperatures.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the Paint industry

In the paint industry talc is used in the production of decorative paints, industrial coatings, inks, pigments, primers, enamels, adhesives and putties. Due to its natural properties talc improves fluidity and coverage properties of paint making it easier to apply and improving cracking resistance, imparts corrosion, acid, thermal, air resistance to them, increase smoothness and stability of paint products.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the food industry

Food grade Talc is an effective anti-caking agent, dispersing agent and die lubricant and therefore helps animal feed and fertilizer plants to function more efficiently. In premixes and agricultural chemicals, it makes an ideal inert carrier. Talc also is used as an anti-stick coating agent in a number of popular foods including chewing gum, boiled sweets, cured meats, and for rice and cereal polishing. In olive oil production, it increases yield and improves the clarity of the oil.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the paper industry

Talc is used in both uncoated and coated rotogravure papers where it improves printability as well as reducing surface friction, giving substantial improvements in productivity at the paper mill and print house. Talc is used in three stages of paper making – as a filler, to control pitch and stickies and in paper coating. During the paper making process, the micro impurities can clog the paper machinery. Talc being hydrophobic absorbs these micro droplets thus controlling their stickiness and avoiding clogging. High brightness of talc leads to reduction in usage of expensive whitening agents and helps in controlling gloss of the coat. Talc gives smoothness, yellow index, porosity, opacity to paper, improves its yellow index and reduces the deterioration of the machinery.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in cosmetics and personal care

As it is soft to the touch and inert, cosmetic grade talc has been valued for centuries as a body powder. Today it also plays an important role in many cosmetic products, providing the silkiness in blushes, powder compacts and eye shadows, the transparency of foundations and the sheen of beauty creams. In cosmetics talc is used as a body talc and as a filler in some cosmetic products – toothpaste, soap, detergents, body perfumed talc powders, prickly heat powders and creams, facial creams and related products, anti-perspirant sticks and other cosmetic lotions or creams. Talc imparts stability, texture, water resistance and skin adhesion to cosmetics. In body talc it acts as a perfume carrier due to its chemical inertness lamellar structure. In pharmaceuticals, talc is an ideal excipient, used as a glidant, lubricant and diluent. Soap manufacturers also use talc to enhance skin care performance. Dentrifices are prepared by mixing suitable proportions of polishing agents like talc and kaolin or china clay with gum, glycerin, soap and other chemical ingredients. body perfumed talc powders, prickly heat powders and creams, facial creams and related products, anti-perspirant sticks and other cosmetic lotions or creams.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the plastics industry

Talc is used in the automotive, plastic and electrical appliance industries in the manufacture of bumpers, dashboards, interior trims, computer and TV bodies, white goods, garden furniture etc. It is used in polypropylene, polyamides, cable PVCs and other plastic compounds. Talc is being increasingly used in HDPE, PP, LDPE, PVC, ABS & thermosetting compounds. It is excellent filler due to blending characteristics and thermal and electrical resistant. It provides the smooth feel to plastic surface. Due to its chemical inertness, superior electrical and thermal resistance and other properties talc imparts stiffness, hardness, tensile strength of plastic products, improves quality of their surfaces, gives them electrical, chemical and thermal resistance

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in the rubber industry

Talc reduces the viscosity of rubber compounds, thereby facilitating the processing of moulded parts. It also improves extrudate qualities, increasing production rates and enhancing UV radiation resistance of exterior parts such as automotive profiles. In sealants and gaskets, they provide good compression resistance, while in pharmaceutical stoppers, they create a barrier against liquids. In cables, talc functions as insulators and in tire manufacture it makes excellent processing aids.

Hydrated Magnesium Silicate in wastewater treatment

Specialty talc can improve the performance of biological wastewater treatment plants. The talc particles ballast the flocs of bacteria and accelerate their sedimentation. The addition of talc results in top quality discharge and zero bacterial loss. It can help to upgrade plants without resorting to costly plant expansions. As opposed to most chemicals used to clean wastewater, such as chlorine or aluminium salts, talc is a natural, environmentally-friendly mineral additive. And because it is inert, it preserves the fertilizing value of sewage sludge.

Health & Safety

Not considered an acute health risk. Avoid excessive dust generation. May cause mechanical eye and skin irritation. Avoid breathing dust. Prolonged inhalation may cause lung injury. Physical form is unlikely to present dust risk under normal conditions of use. Product can become slippery when wet.

For full details see MSDS for Talc / hydrated magnesium silicate

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Where to Buy calcium carbonate GRG online

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What is Calcium carbonate – what is it used for?

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calcium carbonate

What is Calcium carbonate?

Calcium carbonate, commonly known as chalk or calcite is a non-combustible, non-toxic, odourless white powder with the formula CaCO3. It occurs naturally in the minerals aragonite, calcite, liestone and marble which makess up about 4% of the earths crust. Calcium carbonate is produced by the sedimentation of the shells of small fossilized eggs, skeletons, snails, shellfish, and coral over millions of years. Commercially the majority of calcium carbonate is produced from mining or quarrying and then grinding to different grades.

Calcium carbonate has an enormous range of applications and uses. Depending on the grade of the calcium carbonate, these include usage in industry, pharmaceuticals, personal health, cosmetics, costruction and agriculture, as well as the plastics, glass, paint, paper, steel and oil industries.

Properties of calcium carbonate

  • Synonyms: pulverised Limestone; chalk; calcite; french chalk, whiting;
  • Formula: CaCO3
  • Purity: 99.2%
  • CAS No: 471–34–1
  • EINECS: 215–279–6
  • Appearance: Fine white powder
  • Mean Particle Size (d50): 7 micrometres
  • Density: 2.6 g/cm3
  • Molar Mass: 100.09 g/mol
  • Melting point: 825 C
  • Solubility: very low solubility in water 0.15 g/100 mL
  • Refractive index: 1.59
  • pH: 9

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Cacium carbonate reacts with strong acids to produce the salt of the acid and carbon dioxide gas. When heated above 825C it releases carbon dioxide leaving the calcium oxide, also known as quicklime. When calcium carbonate is dissolved in water saturated with carbon dioxide it produces a solution of calcium bicarbonate.

Main Applications for Calcium Carbonate

General Uses For Calcium Carbonate:

  • Manufacture of lime and cement
  • Purification of Iron from iron ore in a blast furnace
  • Filtercake agent in drilling industry
  • Added to drilling fluids to increase their density
  • An extender in paints
  • As a filler & extender in plastics industry
  • Used in the manufacture of disposable nappies
  • Manufacture of fillers, putty, adhesives and sealants
  • Whitting in ceramics
  • Manufacture of glass
  • Used in the manufacture of paper
  • pH corrector for alkalinity in swimming pools
  • Manufacture of blackboard chalk
  • Used as an abrasive in scouring creams and scouring powders
  • Used in tooth powders
  • Used in cosmetics & toiletries
  • In fertilisers as a source of calcium and stabilising soil acidity.
  • As passive fire protection in hazardous environments.
  • Source of alkalinity used for flue gas desulphurisation in power stations.

Calcium carbonate has a wealth of uses: as a flux in steel production and in processing of non-ferrous metals; in bricks, mortar and concrete for construction; as a raw material in glass; in the construction of roads and dams; in the manufacture of paper, paints and dyes, carpeting and other floor coverings; and in the treatment of water, industrial waste, gases and household refuse. It is also used to reduce soil acidity in agriculture, to absorb water and add calcium in food products, and in sugar extraction.

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What is Aluminium Sulphate and how is it used?

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aluminium sulphate hydrate kibbled

What is Aluminium Sulphate Hydrate?

Aluminium sulphate, commonly known as alum is a hard crystalline solid or powder that is soluble in water. It contains around 17% alumina (Al2O3). It is manufactured in a simple process from aluminium trihydrate and sulphuric acid. Aluminium sulfate has been used by man since 2000 BC, when the Egyptians used a mineral alum as a mordant in dyeing. It has long been used in paper sizing to improve durability and ink receptivity and in water treatment to clarify water. Other uses for alum include as a Ph ajuster in soil, as a waterproofing agent and accelerator in concrete.

SPECIFICATION:

  • Synonyms: aluminum sulphate; aluminium sulfate; Cake alum; Filter alum; Papermaker’s alum; Sulfate d’aluminium;
  • Molecular formula: Al2(SO4)3.nH2O
  • Cas No: 10043–01–3
  • EINECS: 233–135–0
  • Molar mass: 342.15 g/mol
  • Appearance: white lump crystalline solid
  • Density: 1.69 g/cm3
  • Melting point: 770 C decomposes
  • Solubility: soluble in water 43g/100mL (20C)
  • Combined alumina (as Al2O3): 16.15 – 17.4%
  • Basic alumina (as Al2O3): 0.6% – neutral
  • Total alumina (as Al2O3): 16.75 – 17.4%
  • Total iron (as Fe2O3): 0.006% max
  • Insolubles: 0.2% max
  • Lump size: 90mm max
  • Lead: <5ppm
  • Refractive index: 1.47
  • Acidity (pKa): 3.3–3.6

It is slightly soluble in alcohols and dilute mineral acids.

Where to buy aluminium sulphate online in UK

USES FOR ALUMINIUM SULPHATE:

Aluminium Sulfate is used in water purification. As a mordant in dyeing and printing textiles. In water purification, it causes impurities to coagulate which are removed as the particulate settles to the bottom of the container or more easily filtered.

Aluminium sulfate is sometimes used to reduce the pH of garden soil. The gardener can add Aluminum sulfate to the soil to reduce the pH level which in turn will result in the flowers of the Hydrangea turning a different color (see below).

Aluminium sulfate is the active ingredient of some antiperspirants.

In construction industry it is used as waterproofing agent and accelerator in concrete.

In paper making the alum reacts with rosin sizes of various types, helping to attach the newly formed rosin aluminates to fibres. Sizing makes the paper water resistant.

It is also used in styptic pencils.

It can also be very effective as a molluscide, killing spanish slugs. Aluminium sulphate is considered to be a relatively environmentally friendly treatment for slugs compared to the more toxic conventional products like metaldehyde.(See below – How to use aluminium sulphate to kill slugs)

HOW TO CHANGE COLOUR OF HYDRANGEA WITH ALUMINIUM SULPHATE

In order to change the flowers of the hydrangea from pink to blue there needs to be aluminium present in the soil and a pH of less than 7 ideally between 5.2 and 5.5 (Acidic). Only plants older than 2 years which are established should be treated. Before commencing treatment to change colour it is strongly advisable to water plants thoroughly every day for a week. Where possible test soil around hydrangeas for pH.

Add 15g (1 tablespoon) of aluminium sulphate in a litre of warm water and allow to sit for 15–30 minutes to dissolve. Add this to a watering can and make up to 5 litres with cold water. Apply the solution around the based of the hydrangea. DO NOT OVERUSE as making the soil too acidic can result in damage to the roots. Check the pH and maintain it between 5.2 and 5.5.

HOW TO LOWER THE pH OF SOIL WITH ALUMINIUM SULPHATE

The aluminium sulphate should be applied to the garden as a liquid to realise a fast change in the pH. Before starting you need to know the pH of your soil. As a rule of thumb to reduce the pH by 1 point you need to apply 50g of aluminium sulphate for every square metre of soil. Ideally the aluminium sulphate needs to penetrate into the soil to be effective or you will be just acidifying the surface. One suggestion to aid penetration would be to spike the garden as you go along. For every 5 square metres of garden you need to apply 250g of the aluminium sulphate. Dissolve this in a litre of hot water by leaving it to sit for 15–30 minutes. Add to a watering can and top up with cold water. Apply this to the 5 sq m of garden.

Alternatively you could dig it into the soil again at a rate of 50g per square metre but this will take a lot longer to be effective as the sulphate is slow to dissolve.

HOW TO USE ALUMINIUM SULPHATE TO KILL SLUGS

Aluminium sulphate is effective for killing slugs by desiccating them (drying them out by absorbing water from the slime producing glands). As well as killing young slugs it acts as a deterrent keeping them away from plants. Apply the aluminium sulphate close to and around plants to be protected especially those most favoured by slugs, like Hostas. Apply the crystals at a rate of around 1kg per 40 square metres. Avoid touching the plants with the solid as this can cause them harm. Note: Kibbled aluminium sulphate contains some very large crystals and these should be broken up into smaller pieces by placing inside a towel or other material and carefully hitting with a hammer.

Another method for applying aluminium sulphate is as a solution. This is highly favoured by growers of delphiniums and is best applied in the winter and early spring. Make up a solution by dissolving around 100g of aluminium sulphate in 5 litres of warm / hot water. Allow to cool. Apply around the base of the plants by saturating the soil. Be careful to avoid spraying directly on plants. Repeat every few weeks. As aluminium sulphate acidifies the soil it may be necessary to apply some lime on treated soil to raise the pH again.

Health & safety

Risk phrases: R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

safety phrases: S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S28 After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of: water. S37/39 Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. S38 In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.

For more information see MSDS for Aluminium sulphate

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What is Potassium Ferrocyanide and what is it used for ?

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Potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate

WHAT IS POTASSIUM FERROCYANIDE

Potassium ferrocyanide occurs as odourless, light yellow crystals which are soluble in water but insoluble in alcohols. Also known as yellow prussiate of potash or potassium hexacyanoferra­te(II), Potassium ferrocyanide is manufactured from hydrogen ferrocyanide and potassium hydroxide. It is not considered to be toxic but is dangerous when heated or mixed with other chemicals. It is commonly used as a laboratory reagent and in the production of dyes, pigments and paints.

Specification

  • Synonyms: potassium hexacyanoferrate(II); Potassium hexacyanidofe­rrate(II); yellow prussiate of potash, tetrapotassium ferrocyanide; potassium prussiate trihydrate; tetrapotassium hexacyanidoferrate (4-), trihydrate;
  • Formula: C6N6FeK4.3(H2O) or K4[Fe(CN)6].3(H2O)
  • Appearance: yellow crystals
  • Mol weight: 422.41
  • Purity: 98+%
  • CAS no: 14459–95–1
  • EINECS no: 237–722–2
  • Density: 1.85
  • Melting Point: 69–71C
  • Boiling Point: 400C decomposes
  • Solubility: soluble in water 211g/L @20C
  • pH: 8–10

It is Stable under normal temperatures and pressures; decomposes on strong heating to evolve highly toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide gas. It is not compatible with many reagents including strong oxidising agents and acids.

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Uses for Potassium ferrocyanide

Potassium ferrocyanide finds many niche applications in industry. It and the related sodium salt are widely used as anti-caking agents for both road salt and table salt. Potassium ferrocyanide is also used in the purification of tin and the separation of copper from molybdenum ores. It is used to harden iron alloys. It is used in the dying of of wool and silk. Other uses include in metal extraction and to make adhesives, computer electronics, fire retardants, cosmetics, dyes, nylon, paints, inks and plexiglass.

Food grade Potassium ferrocyanide is used in the production of wine and citric acid. It is used to remove copper from wine where copper has been used as a fungicide.

Potassium ferrocyanide can be used as a fertilizer for plants.

It is used in the production of potassium ferricyanide.

Potassium ferrocyanide in the laboratory

In the laboratory potassium ferrocyanide is used to determine the concentration of potassium permanganate and is a qualitative test for copper and molybdenum. Potassium ferrocyanide is used to prepare the red crystals of sodium nitroprusside by treating with nitric acid and then neutralising the solution with sodium carbonate.

When heated it decomposes to produce potassium cyanide (KCN), iron, nitrogen and carbon.

When added to hot dilute sulphuric acid hydrogen cyanide is formed but when heating with concentrated sulphuric acid carbon monoxide is evolved.

Potassium ferrocyanide used to prepare Prussian Blue

Potassium ferrocyanide is used to prepare Prussian Blue, the deep blue pigment in blue printing. It is produced by the reaction of K4[Fe(CN)6] with ferric (Fe3+) ions.

Health & safety

R32 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. R52/53 Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

S2– S22 Do not breathe dust. S24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S47 Keep at temperature not exceeding 50 C. S61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/ Safety data sheets

For full fetails see MSDS for Potassium ferrocyanide

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Where to Buy potassium ferricyanide online uk

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