Concentration levels

[pdags]

Hello! i was wondering about the chemicals that have to be used. My lab and equipment are almost fully done but it’s taking me a while to find the chemicals, i found one person that can order them for me but i have been told they need the concentration grade or purity level in order to have them ordered. I have tried searching online to see if i can find them, but so far no luck. Some of you use the highest concentration others have said standard industrial is fine. Does anyone know the specific number or grade for the chemicals?

Thank you so much.

[jgmotamedi]

For the iodine, bromine and mercury ACS grade should be more then adequate.

[pdags]

Thank you, i will ask if that information helps, but i’m not sure because i am outside of the US, so i think they might have different categories or whatever they are.

[pdags]

Thank you, i will ask if that information helps, but i’m not sure because i am outside of the US, so i think they might have different categories or whatever they are.

[jgmotamedi]

If you want a specific answer, you need to give us more information. We can’t divine from your username where you are located.

[pdags]

I am currently in the process of finding out here in Guatemala, where i can find the bromine, mercury and iodine crystals. I had a contact that didn’t understand what i needed it for, due to the lack of information i had regarding the concentration level for each, what i have been told is that and industrial standard concentration is fine for the process. I found another contact that understood a little better and i told her about the advice that you previously gave me, and i think it helped. so thank you. I may have to go with reagent grade chemical because industrial i haven’t been able to find here. The fumebox for the iodine and bromine i am having made from wood like the one that Takashi Arai uses, it seemed very safe and practical to use. I was also advised to use a fumehood to be safe when handling the mercury pot, i am also in the process of having that made and the dark room set up. I was also given the amounts to be used of each chemical so i could find it easier. I was planning on using a camera that i found in my house circa 1914 the Ica Serene 135 9x12cms, shutter still works and the camera is in perfect condition. The last thing on my mind right now is regarding safety. Basically how to clean the fumebox after using it. For everything else i have been reading the material that is on the page and planning very carfeully so that i can do it as safely as possible.

[jgmotamedi]

When I ordered bromine in Mexico it came through the US, so the ACS grade may be appropriate in Guatemala also. I was able to get mercury and iodine via a local chemical supply, I never knew what the grade was on those. I also saw both mercury and iodine in a local botánica.

[pdags]

Thank you very much for the info, i think it did help. My contact said she did know a way after i told her so, here’s hoping

[jgmotamedi]

All that said, I imagine that today’s “industrial” grade chemicals are as pure or purer than those typically used 170 years ago. Many of us use chemicals from dubious sources: my iodine is from ebay, mercury was given to me by a friend who found it stored in a propane tank with a bolt and electrical tape securing it, and I make my own bromine. So, chances are what ever you get will be good enough.

Others may disagree…

[Author]

Posts