I'm currently screening a series of compounds, most of which are solubilised in ethanol. I cannot find any clear advice online on how long, and at what temperature, compounds can be stored for in ethanol.
Is there a general rule, or is it specific to each compound?
Usually organic solvents create protective environment for compounds storage. However, the trace of water and large empty space may reduce protective effects. Inadequate sealing could be the problem at low temperatures, so use recommended vials for storage at low temperatures. At the end, you need to establish your own protocols in lack of literature data.
The alcohol preservation is used to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes. Since pure ethanol has a boiling point of 78.5° C, it is best to store samples under refrigeration in the laboratory. Long-term storage (or even indefinitely) may then take place in not less than 70–80% ethanol. Clear plastic cryovials with lids that have neoprene O-rings are extremely important in preventing desiccation of specimens for such long storage and to ensure stability of most compounds.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Dataset
- Big Data