Prolonging the Life of a Glovebag A convenient method for manipulating air-sensitive compounds is the glovebag.' I t is inexpensive and can be discarded when contaminated. A major drawback that has been observed with glovebags is the clumsy nature of the gloves, and their propensity to split along the seams and leak. In order to resolve this problem a method of coupling latex gloves to the bag has been devised. Improved dexterity and longer life of the bag has r e ~ u l t e dThe . ~ latex gloves are coupled to the bag with a metal hand 10em in diameter and 4.5 em wide. A convenient source of this hand is the end section of a l-lb coffee can which is easily cut with a hack saw, filed, and taped to assure smooth edges. The glove is then fed through the ring and folded back half way over the ring and taped. After cutting the sleeve of the bag i t can be fitted over the coupling ring and be carefully folded and taped. Vinyl electrical tape is then placed over the ring to secure theseal. This adapted glovebaglastsmuchlonger and materials insideare easily handled. ~p
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'Gluvebags can be purchased from I'H. 10R Franklin AYP Cheltenham, Pa. 19012. 'Aw sensitive compounds have been manipulnted withgreat rurcess wing this methud in Devon W. Mecki rerearch g n w a t The Ohio State University
St. Peter's College J e r s e y City, N J 07306
522 / Journal of Chemical Education
George Hilsdorf, S.J., Richard J. U r i a r t e
