CoMo Science

Lab Skills – Basic Chemistry

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in ,
  1. General information
  2. Safety
  3. Introduction
  4. Glassware and Other Equipment
  5. Cleaning Glassware
  6. Filtration
  7. Liquid-Liquid Extraction
  8. Simple Distillation
  9. Recrystallization
  10. Pipettes and Standard Solutions
  11. Titration
  12. Thin Layer Chromatography
  13. Column Chromatography
  14. All Posts in This Series

General information

Basic laboratory techniques are used throughout inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology labs.

Prior to performing a chemistry experiment, it is important to understand the science behind the techniques you will be using. Specific knowledge you should have includes:

  • Units
  • Scientific notation
  • Concentration calculations
  • pH
  • Interpreting chemical formulas
  • Balancing chemical reactions
  • Calculating chemical weights

Safety

Laboratory techniques involve the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals. The use of proper personal protective equipment is important, typically including gloves, a lab coat and safety glasses. It also requires proper disposal of chemicals.

Depending on the chemical, there may be a risk of fire, explosion, caustic burns or release of poisonous gases.

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) provide information on the hazards posed by exposure to each chemical and should be available in any lab using the chemicals.

Chemical spills must be managed quickly and often requires specific procedures.

Eyewash stations, safety showers, and fire extinguishers may be required emergently. It is important to know where they are located and how to use them before they are needed.

In addition to the risk imposed by the chemicals involved, there is also risk associated with the open flames from a Bunsen burner and injury from broken glassware.

Introduction

Glassware and Other Equipment

Cleaning Glassware

Filtration

Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Simple Distillation

Recrystallization

Pipettes and Standard Solutions

Titration

Thin Layer Chromatography

Column Chromatography

All Posts in This Series

This is the first is a series of posts related to laboratory techniques. A full list of the posts in this series can be found here.

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