Chapter 7: Q5P (page 158)

What is the difference between a reagent-grade chemical and a primary standard?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The fundamental standard is a compound's extremely precise base or reference material. However, because of its stringent requirements, it is only available in restricted quantities on the market. Alternative reference materials such as reagent-grade chemicals can be used, however their purity is not as high as the primary standard.

Step by step solution

Define the reagent.

This chemical's highest purity commercially available. This substance does not have any recognised requirements set by the American Chemical Society.

Now differentiate between a reagent grade and chemical grade.

Because of its extreme purity, primary standard is used as a reference material in analytical procedures.
However, meeting the criteria or conditions is quite difficult.
That is why, despite its lower purity, an alternate secondary standard known as reagent-grade chemical is frequently used.
However, if purity is thoroughly determined, it can be advantageous.

The fundamental standard is a compound's extremely precise base or reference material.
However, because of its stringent requirements, it is only available in restricted quantities on the market.

Alternative reference materials such as reagent-grade chemicals can be used, however their purity is not as high as the primary standard.