How does a "chemical for synthesis" compare with the same chemical(ACS grade)when used in analytical testing?

Posted by candy on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 2:10pm.

Chemicals are supplied in different grades,e.g. ACS,AR...etc.What do we mean when we say that the chemical is for synthesis?
• Chemistry - DrBob222, Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 5:38pm
We mean that the chemical in question is suitable to use for synthesis (making some other compound).

When I answered this question for you yesterday, I simply defined the word synthesis for you. I have never used a term "chemical for synthesis" to determine the purity of a chemical. Here is a site that gives the various grades and their definitions that I have used in my career.

http://secure.sciencecompany.com/Chemical-Grade-Designations-W53.aspx

However, here is an extended list by another vendor which may come closer to answering your question.
http://www.reagents.com/products/reagents/grades.html
Note that your question today is not phrased the same as when you asked yesterday. Yesterday the emphasis, I thought, was on synthesis. Today, the emphasis appears to be on the use of these chemicals for analytical testing. As an analytical chemist I would not want to use them for analytical testing. I want to use primary standard grade, AR(ACS), Reagent Grade (ACS), or GR for my work.

When we say that a chemical is "for synthesis," it means that the chemical is suitable for use in the process of synthesizing or making another compound. This grade of chemical is typically used in research laboratories and industrial settings where the primary purpose is to create new substances.

On the other hand, when we refer to a chemical as "ACS grade," it means that the chemical meets the standards set by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for use in analytical testing. ACS grade chemicals are of the highest purity and are specifically designed for use in accurate and reliable analytical measurements.

In terms of comparison, while both a chemical for synthesis and an ACS grade chemical may be the same compound, the difference lies in their intended use and purity. A chemical for synthesis may have impurities or variations in composition that are acceptable for making other compounds but may not meet the strict purity requirements for analytical testing. Conversely, an ACS grade chemical is highly purified and free from impurities that could interfere with analytical measurements.

Therefore, when undertaking analytical testing, it is important to use ACS grade chemicals to ensure accurate and reliable results. However, for general synthesis purposes, a chemical designated as "for synthesis" may be more appropriate, as long as the impurities present do not affect the desired outcome.