Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Acetic acid, glacial ULTREX® II Ultrapure reagent
Quantity/Pack Size – 500 ml
Form – Liquid
Grade – Ultrapure (ULTREX® II)
Application – Analytical chemistry, molecular biology, HPLC, spectroscopy
Product Overview
Acetic acid, glacial ULTREX® II Ultrapure reagent is a high-purity chemical designed for demanding laboratory applications where trace impurities can compromise results. This reagent-grade acetic acid undergoes rigorous purification processes to ensure a minimum assay of 99.7%, with exceptionally low levels of metal contaminants (typically <0.01 ppm for most metals). The ultrapure formulation eliminates interference in sensitive techniques like HPLC, mass spectrometry, and nucleic acid research, where even minor impurities can distort data. Its glacial form (100% concentration) provides consistent reactivity without water dilution effects, making it ideal for precise titrations, buffer preparations, and organic synthesis. The ULTREX® II designation signifies adherence to strict quality controls, including lot-to-lot consistency and comprehensive certification of analysis. Packaged in high-density polyethylene bottles to prevent leaching, this acetic acid maintains stability under standard lab storage conditions. Researchers benefit from its reliability in critical protocols, while educators appreciate its safety profile when used with proper ventilation. The reagent’s versatility extends to sample preparation, protein precipitation, and solvent applications, though its primary advantage lies in its ultra-low impurity profile for trace analysis.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between ULTREX® II and standard glacial acetic acid?
ULTREX® II undergoes additional purification steps to reduce metal and organic impurities below detectable limits for most analytical techniques. Standard glacial acetic acid may contain trace contaminants that interfere with sensitive assays, particularly in molecular biology or trace metal analysis. The ultrapure grade ensures consistency in high-precision applications like ICP-MS or DNA/RNA extraction, where standard grades could introduce artifacts.
2. Can this acetic acid be used for HPLC mobile phase preparation?
Yes, this ultrapure grade is specifically suited for HPLC mobile phases due to its low UV absorbance and minimal particulate content. The absence of metal ions and organic impurities prevents column contamination and baseline drift, which are common issues with lower-grade acids. For best results, filter through a 0.22 µm membrane before use to remove any potential particulate matter from storage or handling.
3. How should I store this reagent to maintain its purity?
Store the unopened bottle at room temperature (15–25°C) in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances like oxidizing agents or bases. Once opened, tightly reseal the cap and use within 12 months for optimal purity. Avoid storing near lab sinks or water sources to prevent accidental dilution, as acetic acid is hygroscopic. For long-term storage, consider transferring smaller aliquots to amber glass bottles to minimize air exposure.
4. Is this product compatible with plastic labware?
While the HDPE bottle is resistant to acetic acid, prolonged contact with some plastics (e.g., polystyrene or polycarbonate) may cause leaching or degradation. For critical applications, use glass or PTFE-coated containers when handling the reagent. If plastic must be used, opt for PP (polypropylene) or PMP (polymethylpentene) labware, which offer better chemical resistance. Always verify compatibility with your specific plastic type before extended exposure.
5. What alternatives exist if I need a less pure grade for general lab use?
For non-critical applications like routine titrations or cleaning, standard ACS-grade glacial acetic acid (99.7% purity without ultrapure certification) is a cost-effective alternative. If organic impurities are a concern but metal traces are acceptable, reagent-grade or AR-grade acetic acid may suffice. For educational demonstrations, diluted acetic acid solutions (e.g., 5–10% v/v) prepared from standard grades often meet requirements while reducing costs. Always match the grade to your application’s sensitivity needs.
