Purification of Substances used in Buffers

Abstract

Many of the components of buffer mixtures are commercially available in analytical reagent grade and, after suitable drying, may be used directly in distilled or de-ionized water. The drying procedure is important because many substances are hygroscopic. When substances are known to deteriorate on storage, when there is evidence of decomposition, or when known impurity levels in reagents are unacceptable, further purification is required. Where possible, the strengths of solutions prepared from substances of doubtful purity or degree of hydration should be confirmed by titration.