Teachers and Techncians often ask where they can obtain the kit for microscale chemistry. There is no actual kit.
A Radmaste kit (https://www.radmaste.org.za/) was sent to schools by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1999. The Equipment was “alien” to many teachers and technicians although we know some people have used it. One issue is obtaining specialised replacement parts which can be quite expensive.
The microchemistry procedures that I carry out, use established laboratory equipment but sometimes I “borrow” equipment from other sciences; example, plastic Petri dishes, usually used in biology, and 3 way taps used in medicine. This is what makes "alien" to those brought up with the traditional equipment.
However, I have sometimes developed and made equipment such as the sprit burner, colorimeter and conductivity indicator.
Modern technology (encapsulated in STEM education) has miniaturised a lot of electrical equipment, enabled the production of “new” materials such as carbon fibre, plastic folders etc and 3D printing has enabled us to even design bespoke equipment. Chemistry equipment is still very traditional in outlook and use. A mantra always used in designing microscale procedures is that it has to offer more than the traditional method. It is why, although available, there is no preparative organic microscale equipment used.
Thee are many versions of the equipment that follows that you can use.
A Radmaste kit (https://www.radmaste.org.za/) was sent to schools by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1999. The Equipment was “alien” to many teachers and technicians although we know some people have used it. One issue is obtaining specialised replacement parts which can be quite expensive.
The microchemistry procedures that I carry out, use established laboratory equipment but sometimes I “borrow” equipment from other sciences; example, plastic Petri dishes, usually used in biology, and 3 way taps used in medicine. This is what makes "alien" to those brought up with the traditional equipment.
However, I have sometimes developed and made equipment such as the sprit burner, colorimeter and conductivity indicator.
Modern technology (encapsulated in STEM education) has miniaturised a lot of electrical equipment, enabled the production of “new” materials such as carbon fibre, plastic folders etc and 3D printing has enabled us to even design bespoke equipment. Chemistry equipment is still very traditional in outlook and use. A mantra always used in designing microscale procedures is that it has to offer more than the traditional method. It is why, although available, there is no preparative organic microscale equipment used.
Thee are many versions of the equipment that follows that you can use.
Using Plastic Equipment
Teachers and technicians should recognised both the benefits and problems of plastic, in particular ,disposal when using these plastics. We know that some schools use plastic transfer pipettes once and then throw them away (even if they have only used water). There is a longer discussions about this on this site https://microchemuk.weebly.com/2-green-chemistry.html). If each user (including students) filled a contaminated pipette with water, inverted it and then emptied the contents into a bowl or sink 3 times, the pipette is not contaminated, but merely wet.
Buying Codes
In the following lists, these codes are used
ME = Contact me for information, ES= Educational Supplier, Hobby = Hobby shop, Local =Local shops, MV = Medical/Veterinary suppliers. Office = Office supplier, Online = Search online.
Teachers and technicians should recognised both the benefits and problems of plastic, in particular ,disposal when using these plastics. We know that some schools use plastic transfer pipettes once and then throw them away (even if they have only used water). There is a longer discussions about this on this site https://microchemuk.weebly.com/2-green-chemistry.html). If each user (including students) filled a contaminated pipette with water, inverted it and then emptied the contents into a bowl or sink 3 times, the pipette is not contaminated, but merely wet.
Buying Codes
In the following lists, these codes are used
ME = Contact me for information, ES= Educational Supplier, Hobby = Hobby shop, Local =Local shops, MV = Medical/Veterinary suppliers. Office = Office supplier, Online = Search online.
Balances
Balances weighing to 2 decimal places are available and cost around £15 or less. They are robust but may not survive class vandalism. However, they are considerably cheaper than standard school balances. There are balances weighing to 3-decimal places but they are extremely delicate. I have checked them with weights and found them consistent with larger balances.
Supplier: ES/Online and look for digital jewellery or pocket balances.
Balances weighing to 2 decimal places are available and cost around £15 or less. They are robust but may not survive class vandalism. However, they are considerably cheaper than standard school balances. There are balances weighing to 3-decimal places but they are extremely delicate. I have checked them with weights and found them consistent with larger balances.
Supplier: ES/Online and look for digital jewellery or pocket balances.
Colorimeter
The Colorimeter can be made for a few pounds and is as good as more expensive models. A The coloured LEDs are used to supply light and an IR LED is used to collect the light. This is converted into a voltage. The voltage needs to be converted to absorbance using a spread sheet.
Supplier: Contact me for information
The Colorimeter can be made for a few pounds and is as good as more expensive models. A The coloured LEDs are used to supply light and an IR LED is used to collect the light. This is converted into a voltage. The voltage needs to be converted to absorbance using a spread sheet.
Supplier: Contact me for information
Conductivity Indicator (The Ion Detector)
This was originally designed for elementary primary/KS uses, but has a multitude of uses. It could also be called an ion detector, as it distinguishes between distilled and tap water.
Supplier: Contact me for information
This was originally designed for elementary primary/KS uses, but has a multitude of uses. It could also be called an ion detector, as it distinguishes between distilled and tap water.
Supplier: Contact me for information
Crown Bottle Tops
These are used as a replacement for porcelain crucibles. The results from the oxidation of magnesium (0.12 to 0.20g) are far superior than using the crucible method. The open crucible can be used for reducing metal oxides with carbon and the quantitative dehydration of hydrated salts. The plastic insert in the bottle top needs the burned away in the fume cupboard before use.
Supplier: Local/CLEAPSS; Contact me for information
These are used as a replacement for porcelain crucibles. The results from the oxidation of magnesium (0.12 to 0.20g) are far superior than using the crucible method. The open crucible can be used for reducing metal oxides with carbon and the quantitative dehydration of hydrated salts. The plastic insert in the bottle top needs the burned away in the fume cupboard before use.
Supplier: Local/CLEAPSS; Contact me for information
Dropping bottles
The only aqueous solutions these plastic dropper bottles cannot store for long periods are those of iodine and bromine solutions which stain and hydrocarbons and ketones which soften the plastic. Ammonia, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide solutions become less concentrated with storage. Different coloured caps help to stop cross contamination. The attached test tube holding a transfer pipette, is suitable alternative.
Supplier: ES/MV/Online https://www.ibottles.co.uk/products/child-resistant-plastic-ldpe-dropper-bottle-stubby-tip.html https://www.ibottles.co.uk/products/e-liquid-bottles/ldpe-plastic-e-cigarette-dropping-bottle-stubby-tip.html
http://www.vet-world.co.uk/p/clinical-disposables/dispensing-containers-accessories/bottle-15ml-natural-hdpe-jubilee-x-100/22142
The only aqueous solutions these plastic dropper bottles cannot store for long periods are those of iodine and bromine solutions which stain and hydrocarbons and ketones which soften the plastic. Ammonia, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide solutions become less concentrated with storage. Different coloured caps help to stop cross contamination. The attached test tube holding a transfer pipette, is suitable alternative.
Supplier: ES/MV/Online https://www.ibottles.co.uk/products/child-resistant-plastic-ldpe-dropper-bottle-stubby-tip.html https://www.ibottles.co.uk/products/e-liquid-bottles/ldpe-plastic-e-cigarette-dropping-bottle-stubby-tip.html
http://www.vet-world.co.uk/p/clinical-disposables/dispensing-containers-accessories/bottle-15ml-natural-hdpe-jubilee-x-100/22142
Electroysis equipment
This was devised to reduce chlorine emissions in the laboratory when 0.5M solutions of copper(II) or other chorides were electrolysed.. In the space of 5 minutes, electrolysis and the chemistry of chlorine can be shown.
Supplier: Local/Contact me for information
This was devised to reduce chlorine emissions in the laboratory when 0.5M solutions of copper(II) or other chorides were electrolysed.. In the space of 5 minutes, electrolysis and the chemistry of chlorine can be shown.
Supplier: Local/Contact me for information
Metal Wire
Wire is very useful as both reactant and electrode. It is often sold for jewellery making. Aluminium, copper, zinc, silver, titanium, gold and platinum wires are available. Paper clips can be used for iron wire.
Supplier: ES/Online, https://www.wires.co.uk/, https://www.cooksongold.com/Wire/
Wire is very useful as both reactant and electrode. It is often sold for jewellery making. Aluminium, copper, zinc, silver, titanium, gold and platinum wires are available. Paper clips can be used for iron wire.
Supplier: ES/Online, https://www.wires.co.uk/, https://www.cooksongold.com/Wire/
Mutimeters
These have taken over from analogue voltmeters and ammeters. The digital read out can flicker and alter value which can be off-putting to students.
Supplier: ES/Online
These have taken over from analogue voltmeters and ammeters. The digital read out can flicker and alter value which can be off-putting to students.
Supplier: ES/Online
Pallates and Trays for Puddle reactions
Reactions are carried on a “palette”. This has usually taken place on spotting tiles or well-plates. What is reasonably new here is the idea of plastic folders from office shops. The worksheet is placed in the folder ab the reactions are carried our=t on the plastic surface, making use of the hydrophobic properties of plastic. The advantage is that the instructions can be inserted inside the plastic wallet so that students do not need to refer to other documents; they are in front of them. An alternative to well-p[late is an blister pack. If you wish to remove the aluminium, let is soak in 1M sodium hydroxide for a few hours.
Supplier:
Plastic folder; Office/online
Spotting tiles, ES
Well plates ES/Online (www.edulab.co.uk)
Reactions are carried on a “palette”. This has usually taken place on spotting tiles or well-plates. What is reasonably new here is the idea of plastic folders from office shops. The worksheet is placed in the folder ab the reactions are carried our=t on the plastic surface, making use of the hydrophobic properties of plastic. The advantage is that the instructions can be inserted inside the plastic wallet so that students do not need to refer to other documents; they are in front of them. An alternative to well-p[late is an blister pack. If you wish to remove the aluminium, let is soak in 1M sodium hydroxide for a few hours.
Supplier:
Plastic folder; Office/online
Spotting tiles, ES
Well plates ES/Online (www.edulab.co.uk)
(polystyrene) Petri Dishes
Plastic Petri dishes (90 and 55mm diameter) have proved to be extremely useful in these procedures. Drops of aqueous solutions form well defined puddles on the surface. Gases can diffuse inside the dish.
Supplier: ES/Online
Plastic Petri dishes (90 and 55mm diameter) have proved to be extremely useful in these procedures. Drops of aqueous solutions form well defined puddles on the surface. Gases can diffuse inside the dish.
Supplier: ES/Online
pH Meter
Designs with long probes such as the Chequer are preferable to the “stubby” designs. The probe can measure the pH in solutions in well-plates, vials and test tubes but needs to be supported. They have been able to find the pH of a solution in a puddle on plastic sheet. The second decimal place is not needed and can be confusing as it fluctuates – a piece of tape can be used to hide this value.
Supplier: ES/Online
Designs with long probes such as the Chequer are preferable to the “stubby” designs. The probe can measure the pH in solutions in well-plates, vials and test tubes but needs to be supported. They have been able to find the pH of a solution in a puddle on plastic sheet. The second decimal place is not needed and can be confusing as it fluctuates – a piece of tape can be used to hide this value.
Supplier: ES/Online
Plastic and Glass transfer Pipettes
The plastic pipettes come in 1- and 3-ml graduated sizes and reliably provide 20 drops per ml.
The Fine tipped pipette (also known as a Pastette or berol pipette) delivers 50 drops per ml and is ideal for titrating.
Do check that the plstic ppettes have valid volume readings by weighing samples of water. iI is a very useful design feature but I have found some "cheaper" versions not very accurate.
Supplier: Local/ES;
The fine tipped pipettes are available http://www.alphalabs.co.uk/lw4233?___SID=U
The plastic pipettes come in 1- and 3-ml graduated sizes and reliably provide 20 drops per ml.
The Fine tipped pipette (also known as a Pastette or berol pipette) delivers 50 drops per ml and is ideal for titrating.
Do check that the plstic ppettes have valid volume readings by weighing samples of water. iI is a very useful design feature but I have found some "cheaper" versions not very accurate.
Supplier: Local/ES;
The fine tipped pipettes are available http://www.alphalabs.co.uk/lw4233?___SID=U
Projection
Demonstrations of microscale activities can be carried out using projection onto a screen.
The Visualiser is excellent for reactions on plastic folders or Petri dishes.
The webcam can be used if horizontal shots are required. A white or coloured rectangular piece of Corriflute works well as a back screen so that the background does not get in the way.
A USB Microscope an produce some beautiful images of crystals and reactions. A usual, the more you pay then better the image and accompanying software.
Tyhe mobile phone is now an integral part of this chemistry. It allos photos and videos to tb taken
Supplier: ES/Online
Demonstrations of microscale activities can be carried out using projection onto a screen.
The Visualiser is excellent for reactions on plastic folders or Petri dishes.
The webcam can be used if horizontal shots are required. A white or coloured rectangular piece of Corriflute works well as a back screen so that the background does not get in the way.
A USB Microscope an produce some beautiful images of crystals and reactions. A usual, the more you pay then better the image and accompanying software.
Tyhe mobile phone is now an integral part of this chemistry. It allos photos and videos to tb taken
Supplier: ES/Online
Silicone Tubing
#]t is useful to have assorted sizes as you can use pieces to connect different sized components. 5mm bore will fit snugly over 6mm glass tubing
Supplier: ES
#]t is useful to have assorted sizes as you can use pieces to connect different sized components. 5mm bore will fit snugly over 6mm glass tubing
Supplier: ES
Spirit Burner
The CLEAPSS version was designed because there had been several accidents with those supplied at that time. The CLEAPSS version uses small jam jars. The string wick only requires a small volume to be effective.
Supplier: ES/Local/CLEAPSS http://science.cleapss.org.uk/Resource-Info/GL157-Make-it-guide-a-spirit-burner.aspx , http://www.freemanharding.co.uk/ supplies small jam jars
The CLEAPSS version was designed because there had been several accidents with those supplied at that time. The CLEAPSS version uses small jam jars. The string wick only requires a small volume to be effective.
Supplier: ES/Local/CLEAPSS http://science.cleapss.org.uk/Resource-Info/GL157-Make-it-guide-a-spirit-burner.aspx , http://www.freemanharding.co.uk/ supplies small jam jars
Syringes, 3-taps, blunt needles, and syringe caps
Plastic Syringes (1ml to 60ml) are useful for delivering and collecting gases. They are not free flowing like glass syringes but are gas-tight (Hydrogen can be stored in capped syringes for several days) The blunt needles allow for the delivery of a precise volume of liquid. The 3-way taps are extremely useful in diverting the path of the gas to other syringes.
Supplier: For syringes, blunt needles and stopper , ES/Online
For 3-way taps , ES/Online/MV
http://www.spservices.co.uk/item/Brand_SterileIV3WayTapStopCock-NoExtensionTube-Single_59_0_1762_1.html and
http://www.medical-world.co.uk/p/iv-accessories-dressings-furniture/intravenous-accessories/tap-3-way-anaesthetic-stopcock-with-facility-for-tube-disposable-sterile-single-use-x-1/3645
Plastic Syringes (1ml to 60ml) are useful for delivering and collecting gases. They are not free flowing like glass syringes but are gas-tight (Hydrogen can be stored in capped syringes for several days) The blunt needles allow for the delivery of a precise volume of liquid. The 3-way taps are extremely useful in diverting the path of the gas to other syringes.
Supplier: For syringes, blunt needles and stopper , ES/Online
For 3-way taps , ES/Online/MV
http://www.spservices.co.uk/item/Brand_SterileIV3WayTapStopCock-NoExtensionTube-Single_59_0_1762_1.html and
http://www.medical-world.co.uk/p/iv-accessories-dressings-furniture/intravenous-accessories/tap-3-way-anaesthetic-stopcock-with-facility-for-tube-disposable-sterile-single-use-x-1/3645
Thermometers
mall spirit thermometers are unsuitable for microscale procedures. The readings are not accurate. However, the digital thermometer often using in cooking are ideal. Only a small amount of the tip needs to be immersed to provide good readings.
Supplier: ES/Online/Local
mall spirit thermometers are unsuitable for microscale procedures. The readings are not accurate. However, the digital thermometer often using in cooking are ideal. Only a small amount of the tip needs to be immersed to provide good readings.
Supplier: ES/Online/Local
Thin Layer Chromatography Plates
Used for thin layer chromatography, these produce extremely good results but are expensive. It is cheaper to buy 5 x 20 cm plates and then cut them down into 5 x 1.4 cm smaller plates which can be placed in vials. Teachers do need to practice how to use them. Some have a fluorescer in the coating. This enables the viewer to see colourless organic compounds which cannot always be seen by iodine vapour and other locating agents. However, the fluorescence can only be seen in the UV-C range which required more expensive UV light source or a mercury lamp.
Supplier: ES/Online
Used for thin layer chromatography, these produce extremely good results but are expensive. It is cheaper to buy 5 x 20 cm plates and then cut them down into 5 x 1.4 cm smaller plates which can be placed in vials. Teachers do need to practice how to use them. Some have a fluorescer in the coating. This enables the viewer to see colourless organic compounds which cannot always be seen by iodine vapour and other locating agents. However, the fluorescence can only be seen in the UV-C range which required more expensive UV light source or a mercury lamp.
Supplier: ES/Online
Vials
Two types have been used; The rolled-rim squat form with a plastic cap and the screw neck squat form with a screwcap. Both hold about 14ml. These are often preferred to test tubes as they stand on the bench.
Supplier: ES
Two types have been used; The rolled-rim squat form with a plastic cap and the screw neck squat form with a screwcap. Both hold about 14ml. These are often preferred to test tubes as they stand on the bench.
Supplier: ES