Jove Lab Chem

Proper Lab Notebook Keeping — Lab Prep

Source: Lara Al Hariri at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

1. Preparation of the LaboratoryExpand

   Here, we show the laboratory preparation for 10 students working in pairs, with some excess. Please adjust quantities as needed.

   • Put on a lab coat, splash-proof safety glasses, and nitrile gloves. You'll work in a fume hood because these acids are toxic and corrosive.
   • Ensure that the lab has containers for concentrated acid waste, aqueous acid waste, and glass waste.
   • Prepare a bottle of concentrated sulfuric acid for each student group. Measure 10 mL of 98% w/w sulfuric acid with a graduated cylinder and pour it into 20-mL bottles using a funnel. Tightly cap the bottles and label them with the solution name and concentration.
   • Prepare a bottle of nitric acid for each student group. Measure 10 mL of 70% w/w nitric acid with a clean graduated cylinder and pour it into 20-mL bottles via a clean funnel. Cap the bottles and label them with the name and concentration.
   • Set one bottle of nitric acid and one bottle of sulfuric acid at each hood.
   • Place a bottle of methyl benzoate in a common hood.
   • Put Pasteur pipettes and circular filter papers on a central bench.
   • Confirm that the balance area has enough weighing boats, spatulas, and lab wipes for the class.
   • Set out the following glassware and equipment at each student lab station (we suggest that students work in pairs):

     2    Lab stands

     3    Small 2-prong clamps

     2    100-mL beakers

     1    250-mL beaker

     1    400-mL beaker

     1    600-mL beaker

     3    10-mL graduated cylinder

     1    50-mL graduated cylinder

     1    25-mL Erlenmeyer flask

     1    250-mL filter flask

     1    20-mL test tube

     1    Glass stirring rod

     1    Large Büchner funnel

     1    Rubber filter adapter

     1    Thermometer

     2    Pipette bulbs

     1    Roll of lab tape

     1    Marker/pen

     3    Small beakers