Laboratory Glassware Identification

Learning the names and uses of glassware is an important part of a scientist's training.

The modern chemistry lab contains myriad types of glassware, most of which has a specific use. Learning to identify glassware and understand its intended purpose is a key component of a scientist's training.

Types of Glass

Most chemical glassware is made from borosilicate glass, which is designed to withstand drastic and sudden temperature changes without fracturing. Chemical storage bottles are usually made from soda-lime glass, which is inexpensive but cannot withstand thermal shock.

Ordinary Glassware

Ordinary glassware usually contains graduated markings on the side of the container to indicate the volume of the liquid. Examples include beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks and graduated cylinders.

Volumetric Glassware

Volumetric glassware is calibrated to be highly accurate, frequently to within 0.02 ml. These may be either fixed-volume (such as a 10-ml pipet) or variable-volume (such as a 50-ml buret).

To Contain vs. To Deliver

Volumetric glassware (and most graduated cylinders) will be marked on the side with the letters TC or TD. TC stands for "to contain", which means the container is designed to hold exactly the volume printed on its side. TD stands for "to deliver", which means the glassware is designed to deliver the indicated volume into another container.

Specialized Glassware

Chemical synthesis sometimes involves elaborate, specialized pieces of glassware. Examples include round-bottomed flasks, condenser tubes and fractionating columns. Such glassware will typically contain ground-glass joints, which are male/female connectors that allow the components to make air-tight connections.

References

• Vanier College: Precision of Glassware
• University of Colorodo -- Boulder: Glassware and equipment used in the organic chemistry labs.

Resources

• "Chemical Technicians' Ready Reference Handbook"; G.J. Shugar and J.T. Ballinger; 1996