Cleaning Glassware
Source: Vy M. Dong and Daniel Kim, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA
Organic synthesis is about transforming a readily available reagent into a more valuable product. Having clean glassware is crucial for the efficiency of this process. Dirty glassware can potentially affect the reaction and make isolation of the final product more challenging. Thus, a synthetic chemist must keep the glassware spotless. The methods described here will detail different glass cleaning techniques that are regularly used to remove organics, metals, grease, and salts.
General Considerations: While some of the below cleaning solutions are harmless to skin contact, it is always wise to wear chemical resistant gloves, a lab safety coat, and eye protection.
1. General Procedure for All Glassware
NOTE: This method applies to stir bars, spatulas, funnels, and other reusable equipment. It can also be used with any of the other washing methods described below.
- To remove any excess organic oils, rinse glassware briefly with an
Clean glassware is simple and fundamental in organic chemistry practice. The knowledge of how to remove tough stains, residues, and contaminates provides the confidence to use glassware without worry of contamination.
By following the guidelines to cleaning glassware, the chemist can focus on the chemistry and worry less about contamination from glassware. The above protocol demonstrated how to clean glassware using warm, soapy water, acid wash, base bath, and aqua regia, and how to dry glassware, as well as advice for cleaning glass ground joints. Disposal of cleaning solutions were also discussed briefly. These glass cleaning procedures work for all kinds of glassware including, but not limited to: round-bottom flasks, Erlenmeyer fl
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