Chemical Purity

[jduong916]

How can I tell the purity or quality of chemicals? I always hear people say look for a USP sticker or what grade is it (food, technical, pharma, etc.). But what happens if there are none of those markings but the product says, for example, 100% magnesium chloride hexahydrate. Doesn’t 100% mean that’s all it is, that one ingredient; shouldn’t this product be good to go?

 

[tzabor10]

Definitely look for food grade or similar markings

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Various grades such as food grade will be on the label and carry with them a variety of tests the product must pass.

The percentages on the label can mean almost nothing, especially if it says 100%, since that may mean it is the only ingredient added to the bottle. A label that says 99.9% is much more useful and desirable than one that says 100%.

Also, the percentages are often reduced by the moisture in it. Thus, 77% calcium chloride may possibly be free of any other chemical other than water and calcium chloride.

I’m happy to help interpret labels if you want.

 

[jduong916]

Various grades such as food grade will be on the label and carry with them a variety of tests the product must pass.

The percentages on the label can mean almost nothing, especially if it says 100%, since that may mean it is the only ingredient added to the bottle. A label that says 99.9% is much more useful and desirable than one that says 100%.

Also, the percentages are often reduced by the moisture in it. Thus, 77% calcium chloride may possibly be free of any other chemical other than water and calcium chloride.

I’m happy to help interpret labels if you want.

So I got this from the website:

And this is the first page of the safety data sheet:

@Randy Holmes-Farley you did say something about this on a different post, but I only posted a link to the product. Sorry to beat a dead horse.

Safe Step 8300 50 Lb. Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Pellets | Do it Best

Maximum power melts ice in extremely cold temperatures. Made up of 100% magnesium chloride hexahydrate for faster melting action.

www.doitbest.com

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I cannot tell its purity and suitability. Ammonia is one concern, and metal impurities are a possibility. It is likely ok, but I cannot know for sure.

 

[jduong916]

Thanks Randy, I guess I’ll give it a shot. Wish I wasn’t such a cheapo.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks Randy, I guess I’ll give it a shot. Wish I wasn’t such a cheapo.

let us know how it works out!