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Chemical Grades



 Unless otherwise specified, all chemicals sold by United Nuclear Scientific Supplies are Reagent/A.C.S. grade. This is the highest grade of chemicals normally available, with the exception of special use ultra-pure chemicals that are prohibitively expensive and difficult to obtain.
Our Reagent/A.C.S. grade chemicals have impurities measured in parts per million (0.000001%), compared to the other end of the scale (pyro grade chemicals), which can have impurities exceeding 35%.
Reagent/A.C.S grade is recommended for all laboratory/research & general use chemistry.
If you're just planning on making Rocket Propellant or Fireworks, it is recommended you stick with the lower (Pyrotechnic) grade chemicals, as they are far less expensive.

Chemical Grades - from highest to lowest

Reagent / A.C.S. - This designates an ultra-high purity chemical for laboratory use. The abbreviation "A.C.S.," means the chemical meets the specifications of the American Chemical Society. This grade is the highest level of chemical purity.

AR - A standard grade of analytical reagents; suitable for laboratory and general use. If the reagent also meets the requirements of the American Chemical Society Committee on Analytical Reagent, it will be denoted as an AR (ACS) reagent.

Primary Standard- Analytical reagent of very high purity that is specially manufactured for standardizing volumetric solutions and preparing reference standards.

Reagent - This designates an extremely high quality chemical for laboratory use

OR - Organic reagents that are suitable for research applications.

USP - Pharmaceutical grade. This grade meets the requirements of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.

Purified - Defines chemicals of good quality where there are no official standards. This grade is usually limited to inorganic chemicals.

Practical - Defines chemicals of good quality where there are no official standards. Suitable for use in general applications. Practical grade chemicals may contain small amounts of impurities.

Lab Grade - Defines chemicals of reasonable quality and are suitable for use in applications where chemical purity is not critical. Lab grade chemicals may contain small amounts of impurities.

NF - Chemicals that meet the requirements of the National Formulary. They are suitable for use in applications where chemical purity is not critical. NF grade chemicals may contain moderate amounts of impurities.

CP - Chemically Pure grade. Products of purity suitable for use in general industrial applications where high purity is not an issue. Generally not suitable for laboratory work or experimentation.

Technical - A low grade of chemical suitable for industrial use. Generally not suitable for laboratory work or experimentation.

Pyrotechnic/Pyro - A low grade of chemical only suitable for use in fireworks and some industrial applications. May contain large amounts of impurities. Not suitable for any laboratory work or experimentation.

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