Multipurpose Solvent Many laboratories find it impractical to retain and separately purify the small quantities of various organic solvents used for different cleaning purposes. We have found that the collection of these dirty solvents in one container and the subsequent purification of the whole mixture by distillation results in an economical solvent which is suitable for many tasks. The composition of our multipurpose solvent is ever-changing, and it has contained ethers, alcohols, ketones, esters, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, xylene, ligroin, etc. Since the mixture can be repurified, it e m be used liberally for soaking pieces of glassware with frozen T joints, etc. When s specific solvent for a material is not known, we find it convenient and economical to try the multipurpose solvent. Normal precautions should be observed considering the flammability and toxicity of the components.
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY HALIFAX, N. S., CANADA
568
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Journal of Chemical Education
