Kitchen chemistry is the practice of chemistry using common household chemicals and common household equipment. Often used by amateur scientists for education and entertainment.
The reagent index below contains common sources of nearly-pure chemicals for amateur chemists.
Additional recommended knowledge
Safety information
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for each listed chemical contains safe handling instructions, storage, recommended personal protection equipment and instructions in case of ingestion/inhalation. Chemists are advised to read and understand the properties of each chemical before using it in a reaction.
Equipment
The practice of kitchen chemistry involves the use of many common household items, some of which are listed below.
- safety equipment
- eye goggles
- latex gloves
- apron
- pot holder
- fire extinguisher
- water supply
- sink/drain disposal
- ventilation to exterior
- reaction vessels
List of commonly available chemicals
Compilation begun by Aaron Muderick [1]
A
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| acetic acid
| CH3COOH
| Vinegar
| Grocery store; "white vinegar" - 5%
Photography supply store; "Indicator Stop Bath" - 89% (with Bromocresol Purple dye)
|
| acetone
| CH3COCH3
| Acetone
| General; "nail polish remover"
Boating supply; "fiberglass cleaner"
Hardware store; "Acetone"
|
| acetylene gas
| C2H2
| -----
| Hardware store or Welding supply; "acetylene"
By reaction of calcium carbide and water.
|
| acetylsalicylic acid
| C9H8O4
| Aspirin
| General; "Aspirin"
|
| aluminum
| Al
| Aluminum
| General; "aluminum foil"
Fine art store; "metalic pigment" - powdered aluminum
Fiberglass supply shop; powdered aluminum as a filler material.
Often coated with wax to reduce flammability.
|
| aluminum hydroxide
| Al(OH)3
| alumina hydrate
| General; "antacid tablets" - blended with magnesium hydroxide
Antacid Tablets; Alu-cap, Amphojel, Dialume - 100%
Fine art supply: "thickening agent"
|
| aluminum oxide
| Al2O3
| alumina 3
| Welding/Industrial supply; "sandblasting sand" - graded sizes of crystals
Telescope supply; grinding agent for optical components
|
| aluminum ammonium sulfate
| AlNH4(SO4)2
| ammonium alum
| General; "styptic pencils" for shaving
Fine art supply; mordant for dying and painting
Organic/health/Bulk Foods; by name
Photography supply store; darkroom chemical
|
| aluminum potassium sulfate
| KAl(SO4)2 12H2O
| Alum, potassium aluminum sulfate
| General; astringent to shrink mucus membranes
General; "styptic pencil"
General; mordant for clothing dyes (RIT brand and others)
Natural health store; "deodorant stone"
|
| aluminum sulfate
| Al2(SO4)2
| Flocculating Powder
| Pool supply; by name
General; antiperspirant (not deodorant) brand name "Sparkling Clear"
|
| ammonia
| NH3(aq); NH4OH
| Ammonia, Ammonium Hydroxide
| Grocery store; "ammonia" - ammonium hydroxide - Make sure it is marked "clear". It contains soap if it foams when you shake it.
Welding supply; "ammonia" - anhydrous ammonia in cylinders
|
| ammonium bicarbonate
| (NH4)HCO3
| Salt of Hartshorn, Baker's Ammonia
| Scandinavian baking ingredient
Must be kept sealed for stability.
|
| ammonium bifluoride
| NH4 HF2
| Ammonium hydrogen fluoride
| Hardware store; "toilet bowl cleaner", "rust stain remover"
Automotive supply; "car body cleaner"
General; glass etching (Armour Etch brand)
|
| ammonium bromide
| NH4 Br
| -----
| Photography store/Darkroom; "bleach bath" for photograph development
|
| ammonium carbonate
| (NH4)2CO3
| Smelling Salts, Salt of Hartshorn, Baker's Ammonia
| Grocery/Drug store; "smelling salts" (first-aid section)
Scandinavian Baking Ingredient
Must be kept sealed for stability.
|
| ammonium chloride
| (NH4)Cl
| Soldering Flux
| Hardware store (plumbing); "Salt of Ammon", "Sal Ammoniac" (soldering flux/soldering iron cleaner)
Photography supply; darkroom chemical
|
| ammonium nitrate
| NH4NO3
| Ammonium Nitrate
| Garden supply; "Nitrate of Ammonia" (fertilizer)
Grocery/Pharmacy; single-use cold packs
|
| ammonium persulfate
| (NH4)S2O8
| Etching Solution, Ammonium Peroxodisulphate
| Electronics supply; "circuit board etching solution"
|
| ammonium phosphate
| (NH4)3PO4
| Fertilizer
| Garden/Agricultural supply; by name
|
| ammonium sulfate
| (NH4)2SO4
| -----
| Garden/Agricultural supply; fertilizer or pH adjuster for soil
|
| amylose
| (C6H9O5)n
| Cornstarch
| Grocery store; "corn starch"
|
| anthocyanin
| -----
| -----
| Extraction from Red Cabbage: Cut, boil, then filter
|
| argon gas
| Ar
| -----
| Welding supply; by name
General; inert filler gas inside incandescent light bulbs
|
| ascorbic acid
| C6H8O6
| Vitamin C
| General; "Vitamin C tablets"
|
B-C
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| barium carbonate
| BaCO3
| -----
| Difficult to find. Sometimes available from pottery and ceramic supply stores.
|
| barium sulfate
| BaSO4
| Lithopone
| Available from fine art supply houses in a compound with zinc oxide. This compound is known as "Lithipone" pigment. Also available in very pure form from radiology labs and medical supply as a radio contrast agent for x-rays and CAT scans. May be available from a well-stocked pottery and ceramics supply store.
|
| benzoyl peroxide
| C14H10O4
| benzoic acid peroxide
| Concentrations as high as 10% are available in the US at drug stores in cream form for treatment of acne. A paste containing 50% benzoyl peroxide, is available from some hardware stores under the brand name "Minwax High Performance Wood Filler."
|
| bismuth
| Bi
| Lead-free shot/sinkers
| Available as a non-toxic lead replacement for bullets, shot, and fishing sinkers. Unfortunately, not as inexpensive as lead. Also, when sold as a lead replacement it is generally alloyed with tin. Note that to make bismuth crystals you will need very pure bismuth metal.
|
| bismuth subsalicylate
| C7H5BiO4
| Pepto-Bismol
| The active ingredient in Pepto-bismol and Kaopectate.
|
| boric acid
| H3BO3
| Ant/Roach Killer
| This insecticide is found in most grocery or hardware stores. Look in the pest control section.
|
| bromthymol blue
| C27H28Br2O5S
| pH Test
| Aquarium pH test kits often employ bromthymol blue because it changes color in the 6.0-7.6 range.
|
| butane
| C4H10
| Butane
| The lighter fluid in hand-held fire starters or cigarette lighters is usually liquid butane. Also available in sporting goods & camping stores as a stove fuel. Many similar fuels use propane, so be sure to read the labeling.
|
| caffeine
| C8H10N4O2
| No-Doz
| Grocery or drug store. Often in formulation with corn starch as a binder.
|
| cadmium sulfide
| CdS
| Cadmium Yellow
| Fine art supply house. Available as a yellow powder. Sometimes pure, sometimes blended with zinc sulfide to create alternate hues.
|
| calcium carbide
| CaC2
| -----
| Still used by cavers and spelunkers to generate acetylene gas for miner's lamps. May be found through a local caver organization (grotto) or at some non-chain camping/outdoor supply stores.
|
| calcium carbonate
| CaCO3
| Limestone, Carbonate of Lime
| Chalk, limestone and marble chips are good sources of solid calcium carbonate; some antacids are largely calcium carbonate. Available as a fine powder used as an extender in paint making from fine art supply stores. Often called "Marble Dust" or "Precipitated Chalk.".
|
| calcium chloride
| CaCl2
| Road Salt/De-Icer
| Much of the road salt (de-icer) used to de-ice roads in cold climates is calcium chloride. Sometimes available as a water hardening agent at swimming pool supply stores.
|
| calcium hydroxide
| Ca(OH)2
| Slaked Lime
| It is used in lime-softening water treatment and in plastering. Can be easily made from lime or quicklime by adding water to create slaked lime . It can also be made by dissolving calcium chloride with sodium hydroxide in water.
|
| calcium hypochlorite
| Ca(ClO)2
| -----
| Bleaching powder and some swimming pool disinfectants contain calcium hypochlorite. Available from cleaning or swimming pool supply companies. Keep in mind that some formulations contain cyanuric acid as a stabilizer against UV light.
|
| calcium nitrate
| Ca(NO3)2.4H2O
| Norwegian saltpeter
| Available from garden supply and agricultural supply stores as a fertilizer.
|
| calcium oxide
| CaO
| Lime, Quicklime
| Used to make plaster. It is now difficult to obtain from hardware stores. Can be made by heating calcium carbonate at very high temperatures (> 900C).
|
| calcium phosphate, monobasic
| Ca(H2PO4)2
| superphosphate
| Available as a fertilizer from garden supply stores. Also sometimes available as a nutritional supplement at health food stores.
|
| calcium sulfate anhydrous
| CaSO4
| -----
| Can be made from commonly available plaster of paris by additional heating to above 180C. Also available at fine art supply stores as Terra Alba.
|
| calcium sulfate, hemihydrate
| CaSO4 . 1/2H20
| Plaster of Paris
| Easily available in hardware stores, arts and craft stores, and hobby shops.
|
| calcium sulfate dihydrate
| CaSO4 . 2H20
| Gypsum
| Can be made from the reaction of Plaster of Paris with Water.
|
| camphor
| C10H16O
| -----
| Can be found as a flavor additive at some Chinese grocery stores. Sometimes found in the drugstore as a cream or oral remedy. It feels cool like menthol on the skin.
|
| carbon
| C
| Soot
| Charcoal briquettes used in cooking are available at the grocery store but contain a variety of additives. Activated charcoal used in fish tank filters and graphite used in pencil leads are good sources of carbon. Lamp Black artists pigment is pure carbon in a fine powder and is available from fine art supply stores. The anodes in carbon-zinc (heavy-duty) batteries are pure carbon. Coal is not a good source for carbon due to a wide number of impurities and varying grades. Brazing or Gouging rods are available from welding supply stores and are composed of graphite. Graphite is also available as a common lubricant from hardware stores.
|
| carbon dioxide
| CO2
| -----
| Dry ice is available from party stores, supermarkets, refrigeration supply companies and ice cream companies. Nationally distributed by Airgas through "Penguin Brand Dry Ice." Gaseous form available in small canisters at sporting goods stores. Used in air guns and in paintball.
|
| carbonic acid
| H2CO3
| -----
| Soda water is simply carbonated water, a dilute solution of carbonic acid. A "Soda Club" home soda maker is a good way to make your own carbonic acid in varying strengths.
|
| carrageenan
| -----
| -----
| Available in some health food stores as a food additive. Used in many commercial food preparations as a thickener and gelling agent. Available at fine art supply stores for use in molding.
|
| cellulose
| (C6H10O5) n
| -----
| Processed cotton fiber is almost pure cellulose making many undyed clothing articles an excellent source of cellulose. 100% cotton paper is also a good source of this material.
|
| chromium oxide
| Cr2O3
| Chromium Green
| Used as a green pigment for fine art paints. It is available as a powder from most fine art supply stores.
|
| citric acid
| C6H8O7
| Sour Salt
| Available at the grocery store as "Sour Salt." Also used for home soap making and also in photographic development.
|
| copper
| Cu
| -----
| Electrical wire, copper pipe, and copper sheeting are available at hardware stores and are almost 100% pure copper. American pennies (minted 1944-1946, 1962-1982) are 95% copper and 5% zinc. Pennies minted after 1982 are only copper clad.
|
| copper naphthenate
| Cu(C11H10O2)2
| cupric naphthenate
| Used as a wood preservative to protect lumber from termites, ants, and other burrowing insects. Brands including Wolman and Jasco are up to 25% copper naphthenate with the remainder composed of linseed oil and petroleum distillate-based solvents.
|
| copper sulfate
| CuSO4
| -----
| Available from garden supply or pond supply stores as an algaecide and rootkiller. Note that blue vitriol is copper sulfate pentahydrate and can be converted into unhydrated copper sulfate by heating to 150C until it turns pure white.
|
| copper sulfate pentahydrate
| CuSO25H2O
| -----
| Fairly easy to obtain. It is the active ingredient in many algaecides used to kill algae and other aquatic pests. Available for pest control at many gardening and agricultural supply stores as a root killer.
|
| cyanuric acid
| C3H3N3O3
| isocyanuric acid
| Available from swimming pool and lawn/yard supply stores as a chlorine stabilizer. A pure tablet form sells under the brand name "Kem Tek."
|
D-G
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| dextrose
| C6H12O6
| glucose
| Dextrose (glucose) is available in many grocery and drug stores. Some throat lozenges are pure dextrose. Dextrose is right-handed (dextrorotatory) glucose. Levulose is left-handed (levorotatory) glucose. Most products are a half-and-half mix.
|
| dichloromethane
| CH2Cl2
| methylene chloride
| Used as a solvent, degreaser and adhesive remover, it is available from hardware, automotive, and sometimes craft stores. Purity of commercial products can approach 90% with the remainder being composed of alcohols and petroleum distillates. Common brands include "Champion Paint Off," many choke and valve cleaners, and Klean Strip Graffiti Remover.
|
| dimethyl sulfoxide
| (CH3)2SO
| DMSO
| Available from health food and naturopathic supply stores for treating injuries. Warning: DMSO will allow anything it has dissolved to pass directly through your skin into your bloodstream. Use gloves and skin protection when working with this chemical.
|
| ethanol/ethyl alcohol
| C2H5OH
| Everclear
| Available as 95% pure ethanol and 5% water from liquor stores in most states. Also available in denatured form from hardware stores. Grocery and drug stores may it as carry ethyl rubbing alcohol.
|
| ether
| (C2H5)2O
| diethyl ether, ethoxyethane
| Sold at auto supply stores in aerosol cans as "Starter Fluid" or "Cold Start Spray." Used to help start damp or inefficient old engines.
|
| ethylene glycol
| CH2OHCH2OH
| 1,2 ethanediol
| Some engine antifreezes are primarily ethylene glycol and can be obtained at an automotive supply store.
|
| eugenol
| CH2CH2CH2C6H3(OCH3)OH
| oil of clove, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol
| Available at most health food and natural healing stores as clove oil. Note that organically derived oil of clove will have numerous impurities from the distillation process. Synthetic oil of clove is generally pure but more difficult to find.
|
| formic acid
| CH2O2
| methanoic acid
| Available in some stain removers at the hardware store. A fairly pure 5% concentration can be obtained from the blue chamber of "Clorox Dual Action Toilet Bowl Cleanser."
|
| fructose
| C6H12O6
| Fruit Sugar
| Easily available from most grocery stores.
|
| glucose
| C6H12O6
| Dextrose
| Dextrose (glucose) is available in many grocery and drug stores. Some throat lozenges are pure dextrose. Dextrose is right-handed (dextrorotatory) glucose. Levulose is left-handed (levorotatory) glucose. Most products are a half-and-half mix.
|
| glycerin, glycerol
| C3H8O3
| 1,2,3 propanetriol
| Glycerin is an emollient used to soften skin by delaying the evaporation of water. It is available at most drug stores.
|
| gold
| Au
| -----
| Gold jewelry is generally not pure gold. Gold is generally alloyed with other metals to increase strength. Gold coins are often .999 fine gold and many may be obtained at "bullion value" from local coin shops. Pure gold dust and gold foils are available from fine art supply stores.
|
| gum Arabic
| n/a
| gum acacia
| Available at arts & crafts stores and at fine art supply stores as a binder for turning pigments into paints. In solution with water.
|
H-K
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| helium
| He
| -----
| Helium can be obtained from party stores or wherever helium balloons are available. Small disposable containers are available for long-term storage. Containers made by Worthington Industries are 99% pure helium. Note that "balloon gas" is a mixture of helium and normal air.
|
| hexamine
| C6H12N4
| Hexamethylenetetramine
| Sold as solid fuel tablets in camping and outdoor stores.
|
| hydrogen gas
| H2
| Hydrogen
| Can be generated and captured from electrolysis of water and a wide variety of inorganic chemical reactions. Adding aluminum foil to a solution of Sodium Hydroxide will generate hydrogen gas. Highly flammable and explosive under pressure or in quantity.
|
| hydrochloric acid
| HCl
| Masonry Cleaner
| Muriatic acid (the common name for HCl) is used in swimming pool maintenance. It is also sold as masonry cleaner and is available at the hardware store. Percentages vary but concentrations as high as 35% can be found easily. It can be made by performing electrolysis on salt water with platinum anodes and cathodes, and combining the gases away from sunlight. (Doing this in sunlight is dangerous, as an explosive reaction will occur.)
|
| hydrofluoric acid
| HF
| Glass Etching Solution
| Available at some hardware stores and at most fine art supply houses for etching glass. Available in some grocery stores under various brand names as a rust remover. It is highly recommended that you keep Calcium Gluconate gel on hand in case of an accidental spill. Highly toxic and dangerous.
|
| hypochlorous acid
| HClO
| Laundry Bleach
| Grocery store.
|
| hydroquinone
| C6H6O2
| -----
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
|
| hydrogen peroxide
| H2O2
| Peroxide
| Hydrogen peroxide antiseptic (3%) is available from the drug store. Clairoxide hair bleach by Clairol is much more concentrated (12%) and is available from beauty supply stores. Concentrations as high as 35% may be available at health food stores and natural medicine stores as a source of "natural oxygen." Swimming pool and spa suppliers often carry concentrations as high as 27% but these usually contain preservatives/stabilizers. Note: Do not heat. Do not store in metal containers.
|
| iodine
| I2
| Iodide
| Tincture of iodine, a topical antiseptic used for treating wounds, is a solution of iodine dissolved in ethyl alcohol. It is available at most drug stores. Available from camping stores as crystals for sterilizing water.
|
| iron
| Fe
| -----
| Steel wool, iron nails, iron bolts, nuts, screws are good sources of iron. You can get iron filings by dragging a strong magnet through sand or iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
|
| ferric chloride
| FeCl3
| Etching Solution
| Available in solution from Radio Shack and other electronics suppliers as an etching solution for circuit boards. Also available in solution from fine art supply stores.
|
| ferric oxide (Iron III Oxide)
| Fe2O3
| Rust
| Common rust. Reddish in color. Can be scraped off of rusted iron objects or purchased in a purified form as the artists pigment "Red Iron Oxide" from fine art supply stores.
|
| ferrous ferric oxide (Iron II III Oxide)
| Fe3O4
| Magnetite
| Used as the artists pigment "Mars Black" and can be purchased from fine art supply stores.
|
| iron sulfate
| FeSO4
| Ferrous sulfate, Sulfate of Iron, Copperas
| Available from garden supply stores as a nutrient. Also available as a mordant for pigments from stores which carry dyeing and textile supplies.
|
| kerosene
| CnH2n+1 (n=12-16)
| Aviation Fuel
| Lamp oil or kerosene is sold in the paint departments of most hardware stores. Also available in larger quantities from gas stations in many parts of the country.
|
L-N
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| lactic acid
| C3H6O3
| Milk Acid
| Available from grocery stores and health food stores.
|
| latex
| C3H6O3
| Liquid Latex Body Paint
| Available from adult toy stores as a novelty item and from select hobby shops. Compositions vary in the amount of ammonia and fillers they contain. Also costume/magic shops, as liquid skin/liquid latex.
|
| linseed oil
| -----
| -----
| Used as a binder in paints and as a finish for wood. Available at hardware stores and fine art supply stores.
|
| lead
| Pb
| -----
| Lead shot and lead sinkers are used by fishermen and are available at sporting goods stores. They may be alloyed with tin and antimony. Also lead is used for wheel balancing weights at auto garages. Lead sheeting may be obtained from stores that carry roofing supplies.
|
| magnesium
| Mg
| Fire starter
| Sold in solid blocks as a fire starter in many camping and outdoor stores.
|
| magnesium carbonate
| MgCO3
| Athlete's chalk
| Often sold as a powder in sporting goods stores for gymnastics, weightlifting, and climbing to help keep hands dry. Sometimes it is combined with calcium carbonate in this use. Available in tablet form as an antacid. Some antacids are pure while others are blended with calcium carbonate.
|
| magnesium hydroxide
| Mg(OH)2
| Milk of Magnesia
| Milk of Magnesia is an antacid used to settle sour (acidic) stomachs. Some antacid tablets also contain magnesium hydroxide.
|
| magnesium silicate
| Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
| Talc
| Talcum powder comes from talc, the softest of all minerals, and is used as a dusting powder for babies. It is available in the body care section of the drug store.
|
| magnesium sulfate
| MgSO47H2O
| Epsom Salt
| Epsom salt is sold at most drug stores and is used as a laxative or as an anti-inflammatory soak. Also available as a chemical for photographic development.
|
| manganese dioxide
| MnO2
| -----
| Available as the black powder in unused alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries. By extensively washing this powder in distilled water you can remove the embedded Zinc Chloride solution.
|
| mercury
| Hg
| quicksilver
| Becoming difficult to find due to fears of toxicity and environmental contamination. Old mercury switches can be found in many thermostats. Old-style thermometers contain mercury. Fluorescent light tubes contain a small amount of mercury though it can be difficult to extract. Specialty occult stores may carry it as quicksilver.
|
| methane
| CH4
| Natural Gas
| Gas line in many homes.
|
| methanol
| CH3OH
| Methyl Alcohol
| Methanol is sold as a solvent in paint supply stores under the names "wood alcohol" or "methyl alcohol." Available from automotive supply as a gasoline line anti-freeze.
|
| methyl ethyl ketone
| CH3COC2H5
| MEK
| Available from most hardware stores as a solvent.
|
| methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
| C8H16O4
| MEKP
| Available in dilute solution from hardware and boating supply stores as a catalyst for the polymerization of polyester resins.
|
| methylene blue
| C16H18ClN3S
| Methidote
| Methylene blue (Methidote antiseptic) is used to treat small injured fish and is available at pet stores.
|
| methylene chloride
| CH2Cl2
| dichloromethane
| Used as a solvent, degreaser and adhesive remover, it is available from hardware, automotive, and sometimes craft stores. Purity of commercial products can approach 90% with the remainder being composed of alcohols and petroleum distillates. Common brands include "Champion Paint Off,", many choke and valve cleaners, and Klean Strip Graffiti Remover.
|
| methyl salicylate
| C6H4(OH)COOCH3
| Oil of Wintergreen
| Drug store
|
| mineral oil
| complex mixture of hydrocarbons
| -----
| Mineral oil is sold in drug stores as an emollient. Some baby oils are essentially mineral oil and fragrance.
|
| naphthalene
| C10H8
| moth balls
| Hardware store or grocery store.
|
| nickel
| Ni
| -----
| Pre-1985 Canadian nickels are made of nickel. Note: American "nickels" are composed of 25% nickel and 75% copper. Nickel is often used as a welding filler material, and 1/16-1/8" Ni wire is often available at welding supply stores.
|
| nitrogen
| N2
| liquid nitrogen
| Hospital, laboratory, university, welding supply house, and industrial gas supplier can all provide liquid or gaseous nitrogen.
|
| nitrous oxide
| N2O
| whipping gas,laughing gas
| Whipped cream canisters from the grocery store. Or in larger canisters from commercial restaurant supply houses. When packaged for automotive use it is usually contaminated with hydrogen sulfide to discourage inhalation.
|
O-P
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| oxalic acid
| C2H2O4
| rust remover
| Radiator cleaner from drug or hardware store. Also available in the hardware store as "wood bleach powder." Auto supply stores carry it as a rust remover as well. "Prestone Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner" may contain up to 98% oxalic acid with handful of trace, and mostly inert, impurities.
|
| oxygen
| O2
| -----
| Portable welding oxygen tanks are available at welding shops and some hardware stores. Can be generated in small quantities from the electrolysis of water.
|
| para-dichlorobenzene
| C6H4Cl2
| moth flakes, moth crystals
| Hardware or grocery store.
|
| paraffin
| CnH2n+2 (n>19)
| -----
| Unless otherwise labeled, candle wax is made of paraffin. Some grocery stores sell paraffin as a sealant for home canning. Many arts and crafts stores sell paraffin for at-home candle makers. "Vaseline" brand is also paraffin, albeit with molecules that are slightly shorter.
|
| phenolphthalein
| C20H14O4
| -----
| Magic shops might carry it as a pinkish disappearing ink. Blue disappearing ink is not phenolphthalein but thymolphthalein. Difficult to find outside of chemical supply.
|
| phenol red
| C19H19SO5
| phenolsulfonephthalein
| Used as a pH tester for swimming pools. Available at swimming pool supply stores.
|
| phosphoric acid
| H3PO4
| pH Down
| Some pH reducers (available at pet stores) used in fish tanks are simply dilute solutions (up to 30%) of phosphoric acid. Also available in gel form at hardware stores as a rust remover. "Naval Jelly" in a spray bottle at hardware stores. Also used as a solder flux.
|
| polystyrene
| -----
| casting resin
| Hobby shop
|
| polyurethane foam
| -----
| Mountains in Minutes
| Hobby shop, hardware, or building supply store.
|
| potassium aluminum sulfate
| KAl(SO4)212H2O
| Alum, aluminum potassium sulfate
| It is used as an astringent to shrink mucous membranes. Some styptic pencils use it in their formulation. Often sold as a deodorant stone at natural health stores. Also available as a mordant for clothing dyes (RIT brand and others).
|
| potassium bitartrate
| KHC4H4O6
| Cream of Tartar
| Cream of Tartar is available at the grocery store and is used to stabilize delicate foods like meringue toppings and other baked egg-white products.
|
| potassium carbonate
| K2CO3
| Potash
| Available at some garden supply and agricultural stores.
|
| potassium bromide
| KBr
| -----
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
|
| potassium chloride
| KCl
| Salt substitute
| Available as a salt substitute by people who must limit their sodium intake, and is available at most supermarkets. Also available in larger, though slightly less pure, quantities as a road salt de-icer.
|
| potassium chromium sulfate
| KCr(SO4)2*12H20
| potassium chrome alum
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
|
| potassium dichromate
| K2Cr2O7
| -----
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd. Also used as a mordant ("Chrome Mordant") for textiles and may be available at a dyeing and fabric store.
|
| potassium iron (ii) hexacyanoferrate(iii)
| KFe[Fe(CN)6]
| potassium iron ferricyanide, potassium ferroferricyanide
| Mrs. Stewart's liquid laundry bluing is used to whiten clothes and may be found in the detergents section of the supermarket.
|
| potassium hydroxide
| KOH
| Caustic potash
| Available at some ceramic supply houses and from arts and crafts stores for soap making. Difficult to find. May be the active ingredient in some drain cleaning solutions. Kodak SII Activator is 10% Potassium Hydroxide with various sulfites and bromides in the mixture. Veterinary supply houses may carry it for dissolving hair and horns in animals.
|
| potassium iodide
| KI
| Radiation Pills
| Available sometimes as a photographic development chemical. Also from outdoor/survivalist stores in pill form to avoid the uptake of radioactive iodine during a nuclear accident.
|
| potassium metabisulfite
| K2S3O5
| Campden tablets
| Used as a sterilizing agent in winemaking and brewing processes. Sold as tablets which may be pure, blended with sodium metabisulfite, or contain only sodium metabisulfite.
|
| potassium nitrate
| KNO3
| Saltpeter
| Saltpeter or quick salt is used to cure home made sausages and corned beef and may be available at independent butcher shops. Also available from agriculture and gardening stores as a root killer.
|
| potassium permanganate
| KMnO4
| Clearwater
| Clearwater is a solution of approximately 50% potassium permanganate and is used to remove odors and cloudiness from water to be used in aquariums and garden ponds. Also used to treat diseases in fish. Used as ~98% pure powder for treatment of hard well water in water softeners.
|
| propane
| C3H8
| -----
| Gas barbecue fuel is generally made of propane and is available at many gasoline stations or picnic supply stores.
|
| 2-propanol
| CH3CHOHCH3
| rubbing alcohol
| Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is a concentrated solution of 2-propanol and may be found in most drug stores. Supermarkets owned by Safeway carry a 99% pure version.
|
S
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| silicon
| Si2
| -----
| Fairly pure silicon crystal can be found as one of the rock varieties in many "fill your bag with treasure" stands at tourist-oriented gift shops.
|
| silicon carbide
| SiC2
| Carborundum
| This hard, abrasive powder is often found sorted by particle size for use in sandblasting and industrial supply houses.
|
| silicon dioxide
| SiO2
| Sand
| Quartz sand is relatively pure silicon dioxide and is available at many building supply stores and also aquarium shops. Often found sorted by particle size for use in sandblasting. Micrometre sized particles are used as a filler in rubbers, plastics, and mold making materials and may be available in hobby shops as Min-u-Sil brand. Available in a porous, amorphous form as the silica desiccant packets found in many sealed food envelopes, electronics boxes, and other packaging. New desiccant packets are often available from local photography stores which cater to the at-home darkroom crowd. Non-porous amorphous silica is industrially known as Cab-o-Sil.
|
| silver
| Ag
| -----
| Older non-clad American dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars are 90% silver and 10% copper. Pure silver coins and bullion can be obtained from local coin shops, often at bullion value.
|
| sodium acetate
| NaC2H3O2
| Hand Warmer
| Main ingredient in hand-warmers that are available at sporting goods stores. Can also be made through the reaction of baking soda and vinegar.
|
| sodium borate
| Na2B4O710H2O
| -----
| The water can be driven off of grocery store Borax by heating to 200C to create pure sodium borate (although it will begin absorbing atmospheric moisture again when cooled and left in the open).
|
| sodium bicarbonate
| NaHCO3
| Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda
| Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and may be found in the baking section of the grocery store.
|
| sodium biphosphate
| Na2HPO4
| pH Down
| Found at pet stores and used to lower the pH of aquarium water.
|
| sodium bisulfate
| NaHSO4
| pH Down
| Pool supply store
|
| sodium bromide
| NaBr
| Hot Tub Salt
| Pool supply store
|
| sodium carbonate
| Na2CO3
| Washing soda
| Washing soda is used to treat wool fibers and is available at spinning, weaving, and art supply stores. It is also available in most grocery stores and supermarkets under the Arm & Hammer brand.
|
| sodium chlorate
| NaClO3
| -----
| Available from gardening and agricultural stores. This herbicide is toxic to all green plants and, as such, is becoming less available as more selective herbicides some onto the market. Some brand names are Atlacide, Defol, Drop-Leaf, and Tumbleaf. Read product labeling to deduce the particular purity of any of these brands.
|
| sodium chloride
| NaCl
| Salt
| The table salt used in cooking is sodium chloride. Iodized salt contains traces of sodium iodide. Uniodized salt is available and is often explicitly labeled as such. Table salt also usually contains anti-caking agents such as magnesium carbonate. Kosher salt, canning salt, or other large crystal salt is generally more pure. For larger quantities, uniodized sodium chloride can be obtained inexpensively from water softener suppliers.
|
| sodium fluoride
| NaF
| -----
| Used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent cavities. Difficult to obtain in pure form. Most dental solutions contain a laundry list of inert ingredients to provide coloring, flavor, foaming, and other aesthetic properties.
|
| sodium hexametaphosphate
| (NaPO3)6
| Sodium polymetaphosphate, Calgon water softener
| This water softener, surfactant and detergent is the primary ingredient in Calgon water softener. It is available at the grocery and hardware store. It is also known by other names including: glassy sodium, Graham's Salt, and hexasodium salt.
|
| sodium hydroxide
| NaOH
| Lye, Caustic Soda
| Known also as caustic soda and lye, sodium hydroxide is used in many commercial drain cleaners/openers. Formerly available in markets, grocery stores, and hardware stores. Currently available nowhere at all.
|
| sodium hypochlorite
| NaClO
| Bleach
| Household bleach is generally a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite.
|
| sodium nitrate
| NaNO3
| Chile saltpeter
| Garden supply store
|
| sodium metabisulfite
| Na2S2O5
| Campden tablets
| Used as a sterilizing agent in winemaking and brewing processes. Sold as tablets which may be pure, blended with potassium metabisulfite, or contain only potassium metabisulfite.
|
| sodium percarbonate
| 2Na2CO3 . 3H2O2
| sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate
| A combination of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide in solution, this is often sold as a wood bleach for use on decks and outdoor wood furniture. Available at many hardware and home improvement stores. Sometimes referred to as "oxygenated bleach."
|
| sodium phosphate
| Na3PO4
| Tri Sodium Phosphate
| Tri-sodium phosphate, commonly known as TSP, is available at hardware stores and is used to clean walls prior to painting.
|
| sodium silicate
| Na2SiO3, Na2Si3O7
| water glass, egg preserver, magic rocks
| Can be found at some hardware stores and drug stores. Available from ceramic suppliers as a flocculent in clay slip casting.
|
| sodium sulfite
| Na2SO3
| -----
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
|
| sodium sulfate
| Na2SO4
| -----
| Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
|
| sodium tetraborate decahydrate
| Na2B4O710H2O
| Borax
| Borax, such as Twenty Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster is sodium tetraborate decahydrate.
|
| sodium thiosulfate
| Na2S2O3
| Hypo
| Photographer's hypo is used in photograph development and is available at photography supply stores. Also available from pet shops as a de-chlorination additive to fish water.
|
| stearic acid
| C17H35CO2H
| candle hardener
| Some arts and crafts stores will carry this item. It is used by do-it-yourself candle makers.
|
| sucrose
| C12H22O11
| Sugar
| Table sugar is available at grocery stores in large or small bags and in a variety of particle sizes.
|
| sulfur
| S
| -----
| Flowers of sulfur are sold at some garden stores to treat certain plant diseases. Also available at many drug stores.
|
| sulfuric acid
| H2SO4
| oil of vitriol
| Battery acid. May be obtained at some auto supply stores. Dilute or buffered solutions are available from hardware stores and plumbing supply houses to help unclog drains. It can also be found quite pure as a dilute, aqueous, solution to lower the pH in aquariums.
|
T-Z
| Chemical name
| Chemical formula
| Common or alternate name
| Source and description
|
| tannic acid
| C76H52O46
| tannin
| Arts and crafts store in the dyes and fabric section. Some photography stores and drug stores may carry it.
|
| tartaric acid
| C4H6O6
| wine preservative
| Sold in wine-making supply stores and sometimes in the grocery store.
|
| tetrachloroethylene
| C2Cl4
| tetrachloroethene
| The most common solvent for dry cleaning, it is available in aerosol form from hardware, auto supply, and home improvement stores. Brands like "Lectra Motive Auto Care" and "Gummout Professional Brake Parts Cleaner" contain as much as 99% with methylene chloride as the only major contaminant.
|
| thymolphthalein
| C28H30O4
| disappearing ink
| It is the blue disappearing ink available at magic supply stores.
|
| titanium dioxide
| TiO2
| Titanium White
| Available as a fine powder for use as a pure white pigment from fine art supply stores.
|
| 1,1,1 trichloroethane
| CCl3CH3
| cleaning fluid, degreaser
| hardware store
|
| 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane
| CF3CH2F
| -----
| Most "canned air" products contain this gas under pressure. Read the labels as some contain other solvents.
|
| thiourea
| CS(NH2)2
| Thiocarbamide
| Many silver cleaning products including Hagerty and Tarn-X contain thiourea as the only active ingredient. Other brands may use other active compounds in combination.
|
| toluene
| C6H5CH3
| Methylbenzene, cellulose thinner
| Available from most hardware stores as a solvent.
|
| trichloroethylene
| CHClCCl2
| trichloroethane
| Available as a fairly pure aerosol from hardware and auto supply stores. Brand names include "Lectra Clean" and "Trouble Free Rust Buster."
|
| tungsten
| W
| -----
| The filament in incandescent light bulbs is made of tungsten. Also, small tungsten rods are available at welding supply stores. They are sold as TIG electrodes, and they commonly come in 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8" diameters. Request pure tungsten, as they also come alloyed with 2% Thorium, Lanthanum and other elements.
|
| turpentine
| -----
| -----
| Available at hardware stores and fine art supply stores.
|
| urea
| H2NCONH2
| ice melter, fertilizer
| Available at some hardware stores and at garden supply stores. "Bonide Azalea" fertilizer is 99% urea.
|
| water
| H2O
| -----
| Distilled (pure) water, is available in most grocery stores. This and "deionized" water are sufficient for most chemical reactions. "Spring water" or "tap water" have numerous minerals in solution. For certain, extremely sensitive experiments, contamination from plasticizers in the bottle may affect your reactions.
|
| xylene
| C8H10
| xylene
| Available at hardware stores, paint stores, and fine art supply stores.
|
| zinc
| Zn
| zinc
| Recent American pennies are 95% zinc with a 5% copper coating[1]. Galvanized coating on steel. Inside of carbon-zinc batteries. Found in some hardware stores as "moss remover." The case of carbon-zinc batteries is zinc.
|
| zinc oxide
| ZnO
| zinc oxide
| Found in opaque sunscreens for its UV opacity. "Chinese White" fine arts pigment is very pure.
|
References
- ^ (used with permission) "Common Sources for Various Chemicals", Aaron Muderick, The Citizen Scientist; http://www.sas.org/tcs/weeklyIssues_2006/2006-05-05/feature1/index.html
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