Sheldon G. Shore
Ohio
State University
Columbus
A Simple Inexpensive Glove Box
WE
have constructed, a t a cost of several dollars. a elow box which can be used for manv v ~ e of s " t .,. operation8 and rivals in adaptability boxes which cost several hundred dollars. I n essence this box consists of a rectangular framework, over which is slipped a transparent polyethylene bag that is then fitted with gauntlet gloves.' The framework of iron curtain rods is assembled by fitting the rods into wooden blocks which serve as the corners of the box. A friction fit is used, as in a "Tinker-Toy," so that the framework may be easily disassembled. A piece of Masonite is placed over the bottom of the framework to serve as the floor of the box. A good quality transparent polyethylene bag, such as that used to store clothes or line metal drums, is slipped over the framework. Gauntlet surgical gloves are then slipped over the inner rings of metal embroidery hoops. Each glove is placed in the desired position in the box, with the inner ring of t.he hoop flush against the inner surface of the bag. The retaining ring of the hoop is then slipped over the inner ring from the outside of the bag. The polyethylene within the ring is cut away allowing entrance to the glove. I n its simplest form as a dry-box for substances that are not critically sensitive to moisture, a desiccant can be placed in the bag and the ends of the bag sealed by Through the courtesy of the editor, I have heen permitted to examine before publication the manuscript of OCONEAND RIMKIN, which was submitted to THIS JOURNAL several months in advance of this paper, see page 463. The present paper offers an alternative technique which is especially useful for complicated manipulat,ionsinvolving bulky apparatus.
knotting them. Two or three bags can be slipped over the framework to minimize the rate of diffusion of moisture into the system. Hoses can be attached in the manner described by Ocone and Simkin.'
h
polyethylene bag
,
6" die. embroidery hoop
By running a steady stream of dry nitrogen through the box under a slight positive pressure, we have been able to handle such moisture sensitive materials as phosphorus pentachloride and sodium acetylide for periods of several hours without apparent hydrolysis. This unit has proved to be especially useful for carrying out in an inert atmosphere weighing, the refluxing of liquids, extractions, filtrations, and the preparation of moisture sensitive materials for infrared and X-ray analysis.
Volume
39, Number 9, September 7 962
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465
