Using a measuring cylinder

The solvent that we use in our reaction does not need to be accurately measured with a syringe and needle, instead, a measuring cylinder may be employed and 1-2 mL either side of the desired amount is fine to use in the reaction mixture.

The solvents typically used in teaching laboratories are usually flammable organic solvents such as ethyl acetate and ethanol. These volatile solvents will be producing flammable vapour so it is important to always keep the containers in the fumehood and minimise the time spent with the lid off.

To reduce spillages, hold the base of the measuring cylinder when pouring the solvent and use a glass funnel. The solvent container should be held on the side of the label. This is to prevent any solvent dripping down from the neck of the container and onto the label, dissolving the ink and damaging it. And whilst all drips and spills should of course be cleaned up from the bottle, the common approach of always pouring the same way should ensure that there is no material on the label which could get transferred onto the gloves of the user.