Chemical name Chemica l formula Common or alternative name Source and description helium He — Helium can be obtained from party stores or wherever helium balloons are available. Small disposable containers are available for long- term storage. Containers made by Worthington Industries are 99% pure helium. Note that "balloon gas" is a mixture of helium and normal air. hexamine C 6 H 12 N 4 Hexamethylenetetram ine Sold as solid fuel tablets in camping and outdoor stores, in combination with 1,3,5-trioxane. hydrogen gas H 2 Hydrogen Can be generated and captured from electrolysis of water and a wide variety of inorganic chemical reactions. Adding aluminium foil to a solution of Sodium Hydroxide will generate hydrogen gas. Highly flammable and explosive under pressure or in quantity. hydrochlor ic acid HCl Masonry Cleaner ,Muriatic acid Hardware store; used in swimming pool maintenance, as masonry cleaner and in silverware cleaner. Percentages vary but concentrations as high as 35% can be found. Sometimes sold as
Transcript
Chemical name
Chemical formula
Common or alternative name
Source and description
helium He —
Helium can be obtained from party stores or wherever helium balloons are available. Small disposable containers are available for long-term storage. Containers made by Worthington Industries are 99% pure helium. Note that "balloon gas" is a mixture of helium and normal air.
hexamine C6H12N4 HexamethylenetetramineSold as solid fuel tablets in camping and outdoor stores, in combination with 1,3,5-trioxane.
hydrogen gas H2 Hydrogen
Can be generated and captured from electrolysis of water and a wide variety of inorganic chemical reactions. Adding aluminium foil to a solution of Sodium Hydroxide will generate hydrogen gas. Highly flammable and explosive under pressure or in quantity.
hydrochloric acid
HCl Masonry Cleaner,Muriatic acid
Hardware store; used in swimming pool maintenance, as masonry cleaner and in silverware cleaner.
Percentages vary but concentrations as high as 35% can be found. Sometimes sold as "Bleaching Water" and many other alternative names.
It can be made by performing electrolysis on salt water with platinum anodes and cathodes, and combining the gases away from sunlight.
(Doing this in sunlight is dangerous, as an explosive reaction will occur.)
Grocery store.
hydroquinone C6H6O2 —Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
Hydrogen peroxide antiseptic (3%)or even (6%) is available from the drug store. Clairoxide hair bleach by Clairol is much more concentrated (12%) and is available from beauty supply stores. Concentrations as high as 35% may be available at health food stores and natural medicine stores as a source of "natural oxygen". Swimming pool and spa suppliers often carry concentrations as high as 27% but these usually contain preservatives/stabilizers. Note: Do not heat. Do not store in metal containers.
iodine I2 Iodide
Tincture of iodine, a topical antiseptic used for treating wounds, is a solution of iodine dissolved in ethyl alcohol. It is available at most drug stores. Available from camping stores as crystals for sterilizing water. Crystal Iodine can also be synthesized from Potassium Iodide as radiation pills, utilizing laboratory methods. Certain laboratory methods can be considerably hazardous. Iodine is illicitly used in the production of methamphetamine, making iodine somewhat difficult to obtain. In the United States, it is illegal to sell, purchase, transport, or possess iodine with the knowledge or intention of its use for producing methamphetamine. Small quantities, such as those used in chemistry experiments such as the Briggs–Rauscher reaction, are legal to obtain and require no permits nor record-keeping.[3]
iron Fe —Steel wool, iron nails, iron bolts, nuts, screws are good sources of iron.
ferric chloride FeCl3 Etching Solution
Available in solution from Radio Shack and other electronics suppliers as an etching solution for circuit boards. Also available in solution from fine art supply stores.
Common rust. Reddish in color. Can be scraped off of rusted iron objects or purchased in a purified form as the artists pigment "Red Iron Oxide" from fine art supply stores.
iron sulfate FeSO4
Ferrous sulfate, Sulfate of iron, Copperas
Available from garden supply stores as a nutrient. Also available as a mordant for pigments from stores that carry dyeing and textile supplies.
Lamp oil or kerosene is sold in the paint departments of most hardware stores. Also available in larger quantities from gas stations in many parts of the country.
L–N[edit]
Chemical name
Chemical formulaCommon or alternative
nameSource and description
Available from grocery stores and health food stores.
Available from adult toy stores as a novelty item and from select hobby shops. Compositions vary in the amount of ammonia and fillers they contain. Also costume/magic shops, as liquid skin/liquid latex.
lead Pb —
Lead shot and lead sinkers are used by fishermen and are available at sporting goods stores, Lead shot is often sold in 25lb(11.34Kg) bags. They may be alloyed with tin and antimony. Also lead is used for wheel balancing weights at auto garages. Lead sheeting may be obtained from stores that carry roofing supplies.
linseed oil — —
Used as a binder in paints and as a finish for wood. Available at hardware stores and fine art supply stores. "Boiled linseed oil" contains Lead Oxide (boiled with PbO), which speeds hardening (oxidizing) on contact with oxygen.
Lithium Li —Lithium can be obtained from Lithium batteries.[4]
magnesium Mg Fire starter
Sold in solid blocks as a fire starter in many camping and outdoor stores. Also used in the construction of metal bodied pencil sharpeners made by the company "KUM" of Germany.
Often sold as a powder in sporting goods stores for gymnastics, weightlifting, and climbing to help keep hands dry. Sometimes it is combined with calcium carbonate in this use. Available in tablet form as an antacid. Some antacids are pure while others are blended with calcium carbonate.
magnesium hydroxide
Mg(OH)2 Milk of MagnesiaMilk of Magnesia is an antacid used to settle sour (acidic) stomachs. Some antacid tablets also contain magnesium hydroxide.
Talcum powder comes from talc, the softest of all minerals, and is used as a dusting powder for babies. It is available in the body care section of the drug store.
magnesium sulfate
MgSO47H2O Epsom Salt
Drug store; epsom salt is sold as a laxative or as an anti-inflammatory soak. Also available as a chemical for photographic development.
magnesium chloride
MgCl2 Nigari or LushuiAsian markets; Nigari, as it's called in Japan, or Lushui, as it's called in China. Used to make tofu from soy milk.
manganese dioxide
MnO2 Pyrolusite
Hardware store; available as the black powder in unused alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries. By extensively washing this powder in distilled water you can remove the embedded Zinc Chloride solution.
Becoming difficult to find due to fears of toxicity and environmental contamination. Old mercury switches can be found in many thermostats. Old-style thermometers contain mercury. Fluorescent light tubes contain a small amount of mercury though it can be difficult to extract. Specialty occult stores may carry it as quicksilver. "Ben-
Wha" balls at sex toy shops.
methane CH4 Natural Gas Gas line in many homes.
Methanol is sold as a solvent in paint supply stores under the names "wood alcohol" or "methyl alcohol". Available from automotive supply as a gasoline line anti-freeze.
methyl ethyl ketone
CH3COC2H5 MEKAvailable from most hardware stores as a solvent.
methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
C8H16O4 MEKPAvailable in dilute solution from hardware and boating supply stores as a catalyst for the polymerization of polyester resins.
methyl isobutyl ketone
CH3COCH2CH(CH3)2 MIBKAvailable from many hardware stores as a solvent.
methylene blue
C16H18ClN3S MethidoteMethylene blue (Methidote antiseptic) is used to treat small injured fish and is available at pet stores.
methylene chloride
CH2Cl2 dichloromethane Used as a solvent, degreaser and adhesive remover, it is available from hardware, automotive, and sometimes craft stores. Purity of commercial products can approach 90% with the remainder being composed of alcohols and petroleum distillates. Common brands include "Champion Paint Off", many choke and valve cleaners, and Klean Strip
Graffiti Remover.
methyl salicylate
C6H4(OH)COOCH3
Oil of Wintergreen
Drug store
mineral oilcomplex mixture of hydrocarbons
—Mineral oil is sold in drug stores as an emollient. Some baby oils are essentially mineral oil and fragrance.
monosodium glutamate
C5H8NO4Na "味精, MSG"
Widely used as a condiment in many parts of Asia. Can be purchased from Chinese or Japanese grocery stores. Also easily acquired in many supermarkets as a "flavor enhancer".
Hardware store, grocery store.
NB: Mothballs may also be made of (para)dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)
nickel Ni —
Pre-1985 Canadian nickels are made of nickel. Note: American "nickels" are composed of 25% nickel and 75% copper. Nickel is often used as a welding filler material, and 1/16–1/8" Ni wire is often available at welding supply stores. "Silver" center of Euro coins is pure Nickel.
nitrogen N2 liquid nitrogenHospital, laboratory, university, welding supply house, and industrial gas supplier can all provide liquid or gaseous nitrogen.
nitrous oxide N2O whipping gas,laughing gas
Whipped cream canisters from the grocery store. Or in larger canisters from commercial restaurant supply houses.
When packaged for automotive use it is usually contaminated with hydrogen sulfide to discourage inhalation. Industrial (welding supply) Nitrous Oxide contains NO and NO2 (can be removed with moist steel wool)which makes Nitric acid in your lungs so use with good ventilation. (Heating Ammonium Nitrate generates an industrial grade of Nitrous Oxide at the risk of explosion.)
"Prestone Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner" may contain up to 98% oxalic acid with handful of trace impurities.
oxygen O2 —
Portable welding oxygen tanks are available at welding shops and some hardware stores. Can be generated in small quantities from the electrolysis of water.
para-dichlorobenzene
C6H4Cl2moth flakes, moth crystals
Hardware or grocery store.
paraffin CnH2n+2 (n>19) — Unless otherwise labeled, candle wax is made of paraffin. Some grocery stores sell paraffin as a
sealant for home canning. Many arts and crafts stores sell paraffin for at-home candle makers. "Vaseline" brand is also paraffin, albeit with molecules that are slightly shorter.
phenol C6H5OH —Phenol can be found in small amounts (~1–2%) in analgesic sore throat spray.
phenolphthalein C20H14O4 —
Magic shops might carry it as a pinkish disappearing ink. Blue disappearing ink is not phenolphthalein butthymolphthalein. Difficult to find outside of chemical supply.
phenol red C19H19SO5 phenolsulfonephthaleinUsed as a pH tester for swimming pools. Available at swimming pool supply stores.
Some pH reducers (available at pet stores) used in fish tanks are simply dilute solutions (up to 30%) of phosphoric acid. Also available in gel form at hardware stores as a rust remover. "Naval Jelly" in a spray bottle at hardware stores. Also used as a solder flux.
polystyrene — casting resin Hobby shop
polyurethane foam — Mountains in MinutesHobby shop, hardware, or building supply store.
potassium aluminium sulfate
KAl(SO4)2·12H2O Alum, aluminium potassium sulfate
It is used as an astringent to shrink mucous membranes. Some styptic pencils use it in their formulation. Often sold as a deodorant stone at natural health stores. Also available as
a mordant for clothing dyes (RIT brand and others).
potassium bitartrate KHC4H4O6 Cream of Tartar
Cream of Tartar is available at the grocery store and is used to stabilize delicate foods like meringue toppings and other baked egg-white products.
Available at some garden supply and agricultural stores.
potassium bromide KBr —Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
potassium chloride KCl Salt substitute
Available as a salt substitute by people who must limit their sodium intake, and is available at most supermarkets. Also available in larger, though slightly less pure, quantities as a road salt de-icer.
potassium chromium sulfate
KCr(SO4)2·12H20 potassium chrome alumPhotography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
potassium dichromate
K2Cr2O7 —
Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd. Also used as a mordant ("Chrome Mordant") for textiles and may be available at a dyeing and fabric store.
potassium iron (ii) hexacyanoferrate(iii)
KFe[Fe(CN)6]potassium iron ferricyanide, potassium ferroferricyanide
Mrs. Stewart's liquid laundry bluing is used to whiten clothes and may be found in the detergents section of the supermarket.
potassium hydroxide KOH Caustic potash Available at some ceramic supply houses and from arts and crafts stores for soap making. Difficult to find. May be the active ingredient in some drain cleaning solutions.
Kodak SII Activator is 10% Potassium Hydroxide with various sulfites and bromides in the mixture. Veterinary supply houses may carry it for dissolving hair and horns in animals.
potassium iodide KI Radiation Pills
Available sometimes as a photographic development chemical. Also from outdoor/survivalist stores in pill form to avoid the uptake of radioactive iodine during a nuclear accident.
potassium metabisulfite
K2S3O5 Campden tablets
Used as a sterilizing agent in winemaking and brewing processes. Sold as tablets which may be pure, blended with sodium metabisulfite, or contain only sodium metabisulfite.
potassium nitrate KNO3 Saltpeter, saltpetre
Supermarket; saltpeter or quick salt is used to cure home-made sausages and corned beef. May be available at independent butcher shops.
Agriculture and gardening stores; fertilizer, tree stump remover and root killer.
potassium permanganate
KMnO4 Clearwater Clearwater is a solution of approximately 50% potassium permanganate and is used to remove odors and cloudiness from water to be used in aquariums and garden ponds. Also used to treat diseases in fish. Used as ~98% pure powder for treatment of hard well water in water softeners.
Potassium Permanganate in a dilute solution form can also be found in certain fish water additive sometimes labelled as "Gill, Fungus, Parasite's Special", One sure way to test is to put some onto your skin and leave it there for a while, then see if there's a brownish coloration/stain. The color of the solution is colored as normal permanganate in solution.
potassium sodium tartrate
NaKC4H4O6 * 4H2O
Rochelle salt Drug store
propane C3H8 —
Gas barbecue fuel is generally made of propane and is available at many gasoline stations or picnic supply stores.
2-propanol CH3CHOHCH3 rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is a concentrated solution of 2-propanol and may be found in most drug stores. Supermarkets owned by Safeway carry a 99% pure version.
S[edit]
Chemical name
Chemical
formula
Common or alternative
nameSource and description
silicon carbide
SiC CarborundumThis hard, abrasive powder is often found sorted by particle size for use in sandblasting and industrial supply houses.
silicon dioxide
SiO2 Sand, silica Quartz sand is relatively pure silicon dioxide and is available at many building supply stores and also aquarium shops. Often found sorted by particle size for use in
sandblasting. Micrometre sized particles are used as a filler in rubbers, plastics, and mold making materials and may be available in hobby shops as Min-u-Sil brand.
Available in a porous, amorphous form as the silica desiccant packets found in many sealed food envelopes, electronics boxes, and other packaging. New desiccant packets are often available from local photography stores which cater to the at-home darkroom crowd.
Non-porous amorphous silica is industrially known as Cab-o-Sil. Fairly pure quartz (silica) crystal can be found as one of the rock varieties in many "fill your bag with treasure" stands at tourist-oriented gift shops.[citation needed]
silver Ag —
Older non-clad American dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars are 90% silver and 10% copper. Pure silver coins and bullion can be obtained from local coin shops, often at bullion value.
sodium acetate
NaC2H3O2
Hand WarmerMain ingredient in hand-warmers that are available at sporting goods stores. Can also be made through the reaction of baking soda and vinegar.
sodium borate
Na2B4O710H2O
—
The water can be driven off of grocery store Borax by heating to 200C to create pure sodium borate (although it will begin absorbing atmospheric moisture again when cooled and left in the open).
NB: Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, but baking powder has other ingredients, such as potassium tartrate and sodium monophosphate. Double action baking powder contains single action baking powder, a 'high temperature acid', and corn starch.
disodium phosphate
Na2HPO4 pH DownFound at pet stores and used to lower the pH of aquarium water.
sodium bisulfate
NaHSO4 pH Down Pool supply store. Crystal Vanish drain cleaner.
sodium bromide
NaBr Hot Tub Salt Pool supply store
sodium carbonate
Na2CO3
Washing soda, soda ash
Grocery; "Arm & Hammer"
Cloth, art stores; Washing soda is used to treat wool fibers.
Pool supply; used to raise pH (increasing alkalinity) under brand names such as PH Up and PH Plus. Can easily be made by baking Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) at 350 degrees.
sodium chlorate
NaClO3 —
Available from gardening and agricultural stores. This herbicide is toxic to all green plants and, as such, is becoming less available as more selective herbicides some onto the market. Some brand names are Atlacide, Defol, Drop-Leaf, and Tumbleaf. Read product labeling to deduce the particular purity of any of these brands.
sodium chloride
NaCl Salt
Grocery; Table salt used in cooking is sodium chloride, usually with anti-caking agents such as magnesium carbonate. "Iodized salt" contains traces of sodium iodide.
Uniodized salt is available and is often explicitly labeled as such. Kosher salt, canning or pickling salt, or other large crystal salt is generally more pure.
Water supply; For large quantities, uniodized sodium chloride can be obtained inexpensively from water softener suppliers.
sodium fluoride
NaF —
Used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent cavities. Difficult to obtain in pure form. Most dental solutions contain a laundry list of inert ingredients to provide coloring, flavor, foaming, and other aesthetic properties.
sodium hexametaphosphate
(NaPO3)6
Sodium polymetaphosphate,Calgon water softener
This water softener, surfactant and detergent is the primary ingredient in Calgon water softener. It is available at the grocery and hardware store. It is also known by other names including: glassy sodium, Graham's Salt, andhexasodium salt.
sodium hydroxide
NaOH Lye, Caustic Soda
Grocery, hardware; Known also as caustic soda and lye, sodium hydroxide is used in many commercial drain
NaClO BleachHousehold bleach is generally a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite.
sodium nitrate
NaNO3 Chile saltpeter Garden supply store
sodium metabisulfite
Na2S2O5
Campden tablets
Used as a sterilizing agent in winemaking and brewing processes. Sold as tablets which may be pure, blended withpotassium metabisulfite, or contain only potassium metabisulfite.
sodium percarbonate
2Na2CO3·3H2O2
sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate
A combination of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide in solution, this is often sold as a wood bleach for use on decks and outdoor wood furniture. Available at many hardware and home improvement stores. Sometimes referred to as "oxygenated bleach".
sodium phosphate
Na3PO4
Tri Sodium Phosphate
Tri-sodium phosphate, commonly known as TSP, is available at hardware stores and is used to clean walls prior to painting.
sodium silicate
Na2SiO3, Na2Si3O7
water glass, egg preserver, magic rocks
Can be found at some hardware stores and drug stores. Available from ceramic suppliers as a flocculent in clay slip casting. Non-phosphate TSP substitute. Liquid sold with "muffler bandage" at auto stores.
sodium sulfite
Na2SO3 —Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
sodium sulfate
Na2SO4 —Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
sodium tetraborate decahydrate
Na2B4O710H2O
BoraxMarket, drug store; Borax, such as Twenty-Mule-Team Borax Laundry Booster.
sodium Na2S2O3 Hypo Photographer's hypo is used in photograph development
thiosulfateand is available at photography supply stores. Also available from pet shops as a de-chlorination additive to fish water.
stearic acidC
17H35CO2
Hcandle hardener
Some arts and crafts stores will carry this item. It is used by do-it-yourself candle makers.
Steel
Fe alloyed with C and depending on type, possibly also Ni, B, V, Cr among others
Steel, although commonly used in industry and construction, is often unavailable in pure form (other than a few types such of mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel and carbon steel that are used for amateur metalworking) to amateur scientists. Otherwise, they will have to make do with galvanised or stainless steel materials such as nails, screws, tools, cutlery, steel wool, ball bearings, steel girders and steel wire. Due to the variety of steel types,carbon content will widely vary and can contain many other elements such as Nickel, Vanadium, Chromium, Silicon,Boron, Zinc, Aluminium, Titanium, Manganese, Tungsten; these alloys all have different names and are sporadically available in different areas and retailers. Steel of various types can also be plated with Zinc or Tin to prevent corrosion or Gold to make it look precious
sucrose C12H22O11 Sugar
Grocery; Table sugar is available in large or small bags and in a variety of particle sizes.
It is made from sugar beets and sugarcane.
sulfur (sulphur)
S —
Flowers of sulfur are sold at some garden stores to treat certain plant diseases. Found at most Home Depot stores as "Organic Garden sulfur". Also available at many drug stores.
sulfuric acid H2SO4 vitriol, oil of vitriol
Hardware store; battery acid. May also be obtained at some auto supply stores.
Pet supply; dilute aqueous solution is used to lower the pH
in aquariums.
T–Z[edit]
Chemical name Chemical formulaCommon or alternative
nameSource and description
tannic acid C76H52O46 tannin
Arts and crafts store in the dyes and fabric section. Some photography stores and drug stores may carry it.
tartaric acid C4H6O6 wine preservativeSold in wine-making supply stores and sometimes in the grocery store.
tetrachloroethylene C2Cl4 tetrachloroethene
The most common solvent for dry cleaning, it is available in aerosol form from hardware, auto supply, and home improvement stores. Brands like "Lectra Motive Auto Care" and "Gummout Professional Brake Parts Cleaner" contain as much as 99% with methylene chloride as the only major contaminant.
thymolphthalein C28H30O4 disappearing inkIt is the blue disappearing ink available at magic supply stores.
titanium dioxide TiO2 Titanium White
Available as a fine powder for use as a pure white pigment from fine art supply stores.
1,1,1trichloroethane CCl3CH3 cleaning fluid, degreaser hardware store
1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane
CF3CH2F —
Most "canned air" products contain this gas under pressure. Read the labels as some contain other solvents.
thiourea CS(NH2)2 Thiocarbamide
Many silver cleaning products including Hagerty and Tarn-X contain thiourea as the only active ingredient. Other brands may use other active compounds in combination.
toluene C6H5CH3
Methylbenzene,cellulose thinner
Available from most hardware stores as a solvent.
town gas A mixture mainly consists ofhydrogen, carbon monoxide andmethane
Nil. Available from households in urban area. Toxic and explosive. The carbon monoxide can be removed from the mixture by passing the gas through large quantity of citrated chicken
blood.
trichloroethylene CHClCCl2 trichloroethene
Available as a fairly pure aerosol from hardware and auto supply stores. Brand names include "Lectra Clean" and "Trouble Free Rust Buster".
tungsten W —
The filament in incandescent light bulbs is made of tungsten. Also, small tungsten rods are available at welding supply stores. They are sold as TIG electrodes, and they commonly come in 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8" diameters. Request pure tungsten, as they also come alloyed with 2% Thorium, Lanthanum and other elements. Lead free fishing sinkers are sometimes tungsten.
turpentine — —Available at hardware stores and fine art supply stores.
urea H2NCONH2 ice melter,fertilizer,carbamide
Available at some hardware stores and at garden supply stores. "Bonide Azalea" fertilizer is
99% urea.
water H2O —
Distilled (pure) water, is available in most grocery stores. This and "deionized" water are sufficient for most chemical reactions. "Spring water" or "tap water" have numerous minerals in solution. For certain, extremely sensitive experiments, contamination from plasticizers in the bottle may affect your reactions.
xylene C8H10 dimethylbenzeneAvailable at hardware stores, paint stores, and fine art supply stores.
zinc Zn zinc Recent American pennies are 95% zinc with a 5% copper coating Cent (United States coin). Galvanized coating on steel. Inside of carbon-zinc batteries. Found in some hardware stores as "moss strip" for rooftop. The case of carbon-zinc batteries is zinc. "Galvanizing paint" contains powdered Zinc in paint, separate with paint thinner. Pure zinc sacrificial electrodes are available at
