Chemicals list for Laboratory

Comprehensive Chemicals List for a General Chemistry Laboratory

This is a practical inventory for high school, undergraduate, or basic research labs. It covers inorganic, organic, qualitative analysis, titrations, and common experiments. Quantities and exact needs vary by curriculum—start with smaller amounts for safety and cost.

Safety Notes

• Store acids separately from bases, flammables away from oxidizers.
• Use fume hoods for volatiles, corrosives, and toxics.
• Always consult SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and follow local regulations (e.g., OSHA, lab safety guidelines).
• Prioritize ACS/Reagent grade for accuracy; Lab grade for general use.

1. Acids

• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) – dilute (1M, 6M) and concentrated
• Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) – dilute and concentrated
• Nitric acid (HNO₃) – dilute and concentrated
• Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) – glacial and dilute
• Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)
• Hydrochloric acid for titrations (standardized)

2. Bases

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) – pellets and solution
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH / aqueous ammonia)
• Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂, slaked lime)
• Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)

3. Salts & Inorganic Compounds

• Sodium chloride (NaCl)
• Potassium chloride (KCl)
• Calcium chloride (CaCl₂)
• Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄, Epsom salt)
• Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl)
• Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄)
• Iron(II)/Iron(III) salts (e.g., FeSO₄, FeCl₃)
• Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) – for qualitative analysis
• Potassium iodide (KI)
• Barium chloride (BaCl₂)
• Zinc sulfate / granules
• Aluminum sulfate / foil / powder
• Sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃)
• Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)
• Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)

4. Organic Solvents & Reagents

• Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) – 95% or absolute
• Acetone
• Methanol
• Ethyl acetate
• Toluene / Xylene (for advanced organic)
• Hexane or petroleum ether (non-polar solvents)
• Glacial acetic acid (already listed)
• Benzene (use sparingly due to toxicity; alternatives preferred)

5. Indicators & Test Reagents

• Phenolphthalein
• Methyl orange
• Litmus paper / solution
• Benedict’s solution (for reducing sugars)
• Biuret reagent (for proteins)
• Bromothymol blue or other pH indicators
• Starch solution (for iodine test)

6. Miscellaneous / Utility Chemicals

• Distilled / deionized water
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 3% and 30%)
• Iodine (solid or solution)
• Borax (sodium tetraborate)
• Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃, marble chips)
• Sulfur powder
• Charcoal / activated carbon
• Drying agents (e.g., anhydrous CaCl₂, MgSO₄)
• Universal indicator solution
• EDTA (for complexometric titrations)

7. For Organic Chemistry Labs (Additional)

• Anhydrous salts for drying (magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate)
• Common reagents: zinc dust, aluminum foil/granules
• Acids like benzoic acid
• Solvents: DCM (dichloromethane), THF (if advanced)