Laboratory Chemicals

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common name	Source and description
Acetic acid	CH₃COOH + H₂O	5% Solution: White vinegar	Grocery store; “white vinegar”—5% or “cleaning vinegar”—10%Photography supply store; “Indicator Stop Bath”—89% (with Bromocresol Purple dye) or “Glacial Acetic Acid” 99.5–100%
Acetone	CH₃COCH₃	Acetone	General; “nail polish remover”Discount store; Onyx, Cutex. Boating supply; “fiberglass cleaner” Hardware store; “Acetone” While composition varies from product to product, paint removers have more acetone per volume than regular nail polish remover, and industrial grade (rather than consumer grade) paint removers used by professionals + sold in bulk will contain more acetone still. Some stores sell pure acetone as well.^[2]
Acetylene gas	C₂H₂	Ethyne	Hardware store or Welding supply; “acetylene”By reaction of calcium carbide and water.
Acetylsalicylic acid	C₉H₈O₄	Aspirin	Pharmacy; “Aspirin”
Aluminium	Al	Aluminium	General; “aluminium foil”Fine art store; “metallic pigment”—powdered aluminium Fiberglass supply shop; powdered aluminium as a filler material. Refined from mined aluminum ore, or bauxite. Often coated with wax to reduce flammability.
Aluminium hydroxide	Al(OH)₃	alumina hydrate	General; “antacid tablets”—blended with magnesium hydroxideAntacid Tablets; Alu-cap, Amphojel, Dialume—100% Fine art supply: “thickening agent”
Aluminium oxide	Al₂O₃	alumina	Welding/Industrial supply; “sandblasting sand”—graded sizes of crystals. Metal polishing compoundTelescope supply; grinding agent for optical components Lapidary supply; rock polishing compound
Aluminium ammonium sulfate	AlNH₄(SO₄)₂	ammonium alum	General; “styptic pencils” for shavingFine art supply; mordant for dying and painting Organic/health/Bulk Foods; by name Photography supply store; darkroom chemical
Aluminium potassium sulfate	KAl(SO₄)₂ 12H₂O	Alum, potassium aluminium sulphate	General; astringent to shrink mucus membranesGeneral; “styptic pencil” General; mordant for clothing dyes (RIT brand and others) Natural health store; “deodorant stone”
Aluminium sulfate	Al₂(SO₄)₃	Flocculating Powder	Pool supply; by nameGeneral; antiperspirant (not deodorant) brand name “Sparkling Clear”
Ammonia	NH₃(aq); NH₄OH	Ammonia, Ammonium Hydroxide	Grocery store; “household ammonia”—ammonium hydroxide—10% solution.Make sure it is marked “clear”. If it foams when you shake it, it contains soap. Drug store; “strong ammonia”, 27% solution Welding supply; “ammonia”—anhydrous ammonia in cylinders
Ammonium bicarbonate	(NH₄)HCO₃	Salt of Hartshorn, Baker’s Ammonia	Scandinavian baking ingredientMust be kept sealed for stability.
Ammonium bifluoride	NH₄HF₂	Ammonium hydrogen fluoride	Hardware store; “toilet bowl cleaner”, “rust stain remover”Automotive supply; “car body cleaner” General; glass etching (Armour Etch brand)
Ammonium bromide	NH₄Br	—	Photography store/Darkroom; “bleach bath” for photograph development
Ammonium carbonate	(NH₄)₂CO₃	Smelling Salts, Salt of Hartshorn, Baker’s Ammonia	Grocery/Drug store; “smelling salts” (first-aid section)Scandinavian Baking Ingredient Must be kept sealed for stability.
Ammonium chloride	NH₄Cl	Soldering Flux	Hardware store (plumbing); “Salt of Ammon”, “Sal Ammoniac” (soldering flux/soldering iron cleaner)Photography supply; darkroom chemical
Ammonium nitrate	NH₄NO₃	Ammonium Nitrate	Garden supply; “Nitrate of Ammonia” (fertilizer)Grocery/Pharmacy; single-use cold packs
Ammonium persulfate	(NH₄)₂S₂O₈	Etching Solution, Ammonium Peroxodisulphate	Electronics supply; “circuit board etching solution”
Ammonium phosphate	(NH₄)₃PO₄	Fertilizer	Garden/Agricultural supply; by name
Ammonium sulfate	(NH₄)₂SO₄	—	Garden/Agricultural supply; fertilizer or pH adjuster for soil
Amylose	(C₆H₉O₅)_n	Cornstarch	Grocery store; “corn starch”
Anthocyanin	—	—	Extraction from Red Cabbage: Cut, boil, then filter
Argon gas	Ar	—	Welding supply; by nameGeneral; inert filler gas inside incandescent light bulbs
Ascorbic acid	C₆H₈O₆	Vitamin C	General; “Vitamin C tablets”

B–C

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source and description
barium carbonate	BaCO₃	—	Difficult to find. Sometimes available from pottery and ceramic supply stores.
barium sulfate	BaSO₄	Lithopone	Available from fine art supply houses in a compound with zinc oxide. This compound is known as “Lithipone” pigment. Also available in very pure form from radiology labs and medical supply as a radio contrast agent for x-rays and CAT scans—here it may be scented or even flavoured. May be available from a well-stocked pottery and ceramics supply store.
benzoyl peroxide	C₁₄H₁₀O₄	benzoic acid peroxide	Concentrations as high as 10% are available in the US at drug stores in cream form for treatment of acne. A paste containing 50% benzoyl peroxide, is available from some hardware stores under the brand name “Minwax High Performance Wood Filler”.
bismuth	Bi	Lead-free shot/sinkers	Available as a non-toxic lead replacement for bullets, shot, and fishing sinkers. Unfortunately, not as inexpensive as lead. Also, when sold as a lead replacement it is generally alloyed with tin. Note that to make bismuth crystals you will need very pure bismuth metal.
bismuth subsalicylate	C₇H₅BiO₄	Pepto-Bismol	The active ingredient in Pepto-bismol and Kaopectate.
boric acid	H₃BO₃	Ant/Roach Killer, boracic acid	Grocery, drug store, hardware stores; pest control section.
bromothymol blue	C₂₇H₂₈Br₂O₅S	pH Test	Aquarium pH test kits often employ bromothymol blue because it changes color in the 6.0–7.6 range.
butane	C₄H₁₀	Butane	The lighter fluid in hand-held fire starters or cigarette lighters is usually liquid butane. Also available in sporting goods & camping stores as a stove fuel. Many similar fuels use propane, so be sure to read the labeling.
caffeine	C₈H₁₀N₄O₂	No-Doz	Grocery or drug store. Often in formulation with corn starch as a binder.
cadmium sulfide	CdS	Cadmium Yellow	Fine art supply house. Available as a yellow powder. Sometimes pure, sometimes blended with zinc sulfide to create alternative hues.
calcium carbide	CaC₂	—	Still used by cavers and spelunkers to generate acetylene gas for miner’s lamps. May be found through a local caver organization (grotto) or at some non-chain camping/outdoor supply stores.
calcium carbonate	CaCO₃	Limestone, Carbonate of Lime	Chunks: Marble, limestone. Powder: Precipitated chalk.Builders supply; Chalk, limestone and marble chips. Drugstore; some antacids are largely calcium carbonate. Fine art stores; Available as a fine powder used as an extender in paint-making. May be called “Marble Dust” or “Precipitated Chalk”. NBL Blackboard chalk is calcium sulphate, not* calcium carbonate.*
calcium chloride	CaCl₂	Laundry Aid/Road Salt/De-Icer	Supermarket, Hardware store; much road salt (de-icer) used to de-ice roads in cold climates.Also available as a laundry aid; or as a room moisture reducer (desiccant), e.g. “DampRid” and “Dri-Z-Air” Pool supply; sometimes available as a water hardening agent.
calcium hydroxide	Ca(OH)₂	Slaked Lime, garden lime	Gardening department; used to reduce acidity in soil.Also used in lime-softening water treatment and in plastering. Can be made from lime or quicklime by adding water to create slaked lime. Can be made by dissolving calcium chloride with sodium hydroxide in water.
calcium hypochlorite	Ca(ClO)₂	—	Bleaching powder and some swimming pool disinfectants contain calcium hypochlorite. Available from cleaning or swimming pool supply companies. Keep in mind that some formulations contain cyanuric acid as a stabilizer against UV light.
calcium nitrate	Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O	Norwegian saltpeter	Available from garden supply and agricultural supply stores as a fertilizer.
calcium oxide	CaO	Lime, Quicklime	Builder’s supply; used to make plaster. Now difficult to obtain from hardware stores. Can be made by heating calcium carbonate at very high temperatures (> 900 °C). Found in certain Self-heating cans separated from a water compartment, extraction may be inconvenient and is converted to calcium hydroxide after activation.
calcium phosphate, monobasic	Ca(H₂PO₄)₂	superphosphate	Available as a fertilizer from garden supply stores. Also sometimes available as a nutritional supplement at health food stores.
calcium sulfate anhydrous	CaSO₄	—	Can be made from commonly available plaster of paris by additional heating to above 180C. Also available at fine art supply stores as Terra Alba.
calcium sulfate, hemihydrate	CaSO₄·1/2H₂0	Plaster of Paris	Hardware stores, arts and craft stores, and hobby shops.
calcium sulfate dihydrate	CaSO₄·2H₂0	Gypsum	Can be made from the reaction of Plaster of Paris with Water.
camphor	C₁₀H₁₆O	—	Can be found as a flavor additive at some Chinese grocery stores. Sometimes found in the drugstore as a cream or oral remedy. It feels cool like menthol on the skin.
carbon	C	Soot, Graphite, Graphene, Carbon nanotubes, Fullerenes, Diamond, Charcoal	Charcoal briquettes used in cooking are available at the grocery store but contain a variety of additives. Activated charcoal used in fish tank filters and graphite used in pencil leads are good sources of carbon. Lamp Black artists pigment is pure carbon in a fine powder and is available from fine art supply stores. The anodes in carbon-zinc (heavy-duty) batteries are pure carbon. Coal is not a good source for carbon due to a wide number of impurities and varying grades. Brazing or Gouging rods are available from welding supply stores and are composed of graphite. Graphite is also available as a common lubricant from hardware stores. Other forms of carbon are occasionally available through online retailers selling to element collectors, eBay, engineering suppliers and industrial suppliers. Pure or near-pure carbon can be produced at home through the reaction of Sucrose with Sulfuric Acid or the thermal decomposition of sugars. Diamonds, although prohibitively expensive (except bort or artificial diamonds), can also act as a source of Carbon, such as reducing oxides.
carbon dioxide	CO₂	—	Dry ice is available from party stores, supermarkets, refrigeration supply companies and ice cream companies. Nationally distributed by Airgas through “Penguin Brand Dry Ice”. Gaseous form available in small canisters at sporting goods stores. Used in air guns and in paintball.
carbonic acid	H₂CO₃	—	Soda water is simply carbonated water, a dilute solution of carbonic acid. A “Soda Club” home soda maker is a good way to make your own carbonic acid in varying strengths.
carrageenan	—	—	Available in some health food stores as a food additive. Used in many commercial food preparations as a thickener and gelling agent. Available at fine art supply stores for use in molding and marbling.
cellulose	(C₆H₁₀O₅)_n	—	Processed cotton fiber is almost pure cellulose making many undyed clothing articles an excellent source of cellulose. 100% cotton paper is also a good source of this material.
chromium oxide	Cr₂O₃	Chrome Green	Used as a green pigment for fine art paints. It is available as a powder from most fine art supply stores.Sold as ‘Green Rouge’ for polishing metal. Often mixed with paraffin to ease handling. Cheaper grades can contain filler materials.
citric acid	C₆H₈O₇	Sour Salt	Available at the grocery store as “Sour Salt”. Also used for home soap making and also in photographic development.
copper	Cu	—	Electrical wire, copper pipe, and copper sheeting are available at hardware stores and are almost 100% pure copper. American pennies (minted 1944–1946, 1962–1982) are 95% copper and 5% zinc. Pennies minted after 1982 are only copper clad.
copper naphthenate	Cu(C₁₁H₁₀O₂)₂	cupric naphthenate	Used as a wood preservative to protect lumber from termites, ants, and other burrowing insects. Brands including Wolman and Jasco are up to 25% copper naphthenate with the remainder composed of linseed oil and petroleum distillate-based solvents.
copper sulfate (anhydrous)	CuSO₄	cupric sulfate (anhydrous)	Available from garden supply or pond supply stores as an algaecide and rootkiller.NB: blue vitriol is copper sulfate pentahydrate. It can be converted into unhydrated copper sulfate by heating to 150C until it turns pure white.
copper sulfate pentahydrate	CuSO₄5H₂O	cupric sulfate, blue vitriol, bluestone	Hardware store; rootkiller (Zep Root Kill, Rooto Root Kill)Gardening, agricultural supply; active ingredient in many algaecides, available for pest control
cyanuric acid	C₃H₃N₃O₃	isocyanuric acid	Available from swimming pool and lawn/yard supply stores as a chlorine stabilizer. A pure tablet form sells under the brand name “Kem Tek”.

D–G

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source and description
dextrose	C₆H₁₂O₆	glucose, corn syrup	Grocery; corn syrup, some throat lozenges are pure dextrose.Dextrose is right-handed (dextrorotatory) glucose. L-Glucose is left-handed (levorotatory) glucose. It cannot be metabolized by living organisms as a source of energy. Although “levulose” is an archaic name for fructose, fructose has an entirely different structure from glucose, and is not glucose’s levorotatory form.
dichloromethane	CH₂Cl₂	methylene chloride	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.
dimethyl sulfoxide	(CH₃)₂SO	DMSO	Available from health food and naturopathic supply stores for treating injuries. Warning: DMSO will allow anything it has dissolved to pass directly through your skin into your bloodstream. Use gloves and skin protection when working with this chemical.
ethanol/ethyl alcohol	C₂H₅OH	Everclear	Available as 95% pure ethanol and 5% water from liquor stores in most states. Also available in denatured form from hardware stores. Grocery and drug stores may carry it as ethyl rubbing alcohol.
ether	(C₂H₅)₂O	diethyl ether, ethoxyethane	Sold at auto supply stores in aerosol cans as “Starter Fluid” or “Cold Start Spray”. Used to help start damp or inefficient old engines.
ethylene glycol	CH₂OHCH₂OH	1,2-ethanediol	Some engine antifreezes are primarily ethylene glycol and can be obtained at an automotive supply store.
eugenol	CH₂CH₂CH₂C₆H₃(OCH₃)OH	oil of clove, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol	Available at most health food and natural healing stores as clove oil. Note that organically derived oil of clove will have numerous impurities from the distillation process. Synthetic oil of clove is generally pure but more difficult to find.
formic acid	CH₂O₂	methanoic acid	Available in some stain removers at the hardware store. A fairly pure 5% concentration can be obtained from the blue chamber of “Clorox Dual Action Toilet Bowl Cleanser”.
fructose	C₆H₁₂O₆	Fruit Sugar	Easily available from most grocery stores.
glucose	C₆H₁₂O₆	Dextrose, corn syrup	Grocery; corn syrup. Some throat lozenges are pure dextrose.Dextrose is right-handed (dextrorotatory) glucose. Levulose is left-handed (levorotatory) glucose. Most products are a half-and-half mix.
glycerin, glycerol	C₃H₈O₃	1,2,3-propanetriol	Glycerin is an emollient used to soften skin by delaying the evaporation of water. It is available at most drug stores.
gold	Au	—	Gold jewelry is generally not pure gold. Gold is generally alloyed with other metals to increase strength. Gold coins are often .999 fine gold and many may be obtained at “bullion value” from local coin shops. Pure gold dust and gold foils are available from fine art supply stores.
gum Arabic	CH₄O₃S	gum acacia	Available at arts & crafts stores and at fine art supply stores as a binder for turning pigments into paints. In solution with water.

H–K

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	Hexamethylenetetramine	Sold 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.)
hydrofluoric acid	HF	Glass Etching Solution	Hardware store; Aluminum brightener & tire cleanerFine art supply; for etching glass. Grocery; under various brand names as a rust remover. Car dealership; professional grade tire cleaning solutions are typically more concentrated. Must be stored in polyethylene or Teflon containers. Recommended to keep Calcium gluconate gel on hand in case of an accidental spill. Highly toxic and dangerous
hypochlorous acid	HClO	Laundry Bleach	Grocery store.
hydroquinone	C₆H₆O₂	—	Photography store catering to the at-home darkroom crowd.
hydrogen peroxide	H₂O₂	Peroxide	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.
ferric oxide (Iron III Oxide)	Fe₂O₃	Rust	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.
ferrous ferric oxide (Iron II III Oxide)	Fe₃O₄	Magnetite	Used as the artists pigment “Mars Black” and can be purchased from fine art supply stores.
iron(II) 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.
kerosene	C_nH_2n+1 (n=12–16)	Aviation Fuel	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

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source and description
lactic acid	C₃H₆O₃	Milk Acid	Available from grocery stores and health food stores.
lanthanum chloride	LaCl₃.n H₂O	Lanthanum(III) chloride	Available as aqueous pool clarifier from certain brands. Concentration is listed as approx. 60% by weight.
latex	C₃H₆O₃	Liquid Latex Body Paint	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 25 lb(11.34 kg) 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.
magnesium carbonate	MgCO₃	Athlete’s chalk	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 Magnesia	Milk of Magnesia is an antacid used to settle sour (acidic) stomachs. Some antacid tablets also contain magnesium hydroxide.
magnesium silicate	Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂	Talc	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 Lushui	Asian 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.
mercury	Hg	quicksilver	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	CH₃OH	Methyl Alcohol	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	MEK	Available from most hardware stores as a solvent.
methyl ethyl ketone peroxide	C₈H₁₆O₄	MEKP	Available in dilute solution from hardware and boating supply stores as a catalyst for the polymerization of polyester resins.
methyl isobutyl ketone	CH₃COCH₂CH(CH₃)₂	MIBK	Available from many hardware stores as a solvent.
methylene blue	C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S	Methidote	Methylene 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 oil	complex 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”.
naphthalene	C₁₀H₈	moth balls	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 nitrogen	Hospital, 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.)

O–P

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source and description
oxalic acid	C₂H₂O₄	rust remover, non-chlorine bleach powder cleanser	Grocery, drug, hardware stores. “Bar Keeper’s Friend”.Hardware store; radiator cleaner, “wood bleach powder”, rust remover. “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	C₆H₄Cl₂	moth flakes, moth crystals	Hardware or grocery store.
paraffin	C_nH_2n+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 but thymolphthalein. Difficult to find outside of chemical supply.
phenol red	C₁₉H₁₉SO₅	phenolsulfonephthalein	Used as a pH tester for swimming pools. Available at swimming pool supply stores.
phosphoric acid	H₃PO₄	pH Down	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 Minutes	Hobby 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.
potassium carbonate	K₂CO₃	Potash	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 alum	Photography 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

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source and description
silicon carbide	SiC	Carborundum	This 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 Warmer	Main 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).
sodium bicarbonate	NaHCO₃	Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda	Grocery baking section; “single action baking soda”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 Down	Found 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, and hexasodium salt.
sodium hydroxide	NaOH	Lye, Caustic Soda	Grocery, hardware; Known also as caustic soda and lye, sodium hydroxide is used in many commercial drain cleaners/openers.Ex: Rooto Drain Opener (100% Pure), Drano (not 100% pure), Roebic Crystal Drain Opener NB: Keep out of eyes
sodium hypochlorite	NaClO	Bleach	Household 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 with potassium 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	Borax	Market, drug store; Borax, such as Twenty-Mule-Team Borax Laundry Booster.
sodium thiosulfate	Na₂S₂O₃	Hypo	Photographer’s hypo is used in photograph development and is available at photography supply stores. Also available from pet shops as a de-chlorination additive to fish water.
stearic acid	C₁₇H₃₅CO₂H	candle 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	Galvanised wire, nail (fasteners), stainless steel, ball bearings, steel wool	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.Plumbing supply; buffered solutions available: “Pro Liquid Drain Cleaner” Pet supply; dilute aqueous solution is used to lower the pH in aquariums.

T–Z

Chemical name	Chemical formula	Common or alternative name	Source 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 preservative	Sold 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 ink	It 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.
1,1,1 trichloroethane	CCl₃CH₃	cleaning fluid, degreaser	hardware store
1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane	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.
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	dimethylbenzene	Available 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 marine supply stores.
zinc chloride	ZnCl₂ + H₂O	Tinner’s Fluid, “killed acid”	Hardware store; used for cleaning copper.Can be created by dissolving a small amount of zinc in hydrochloric acid.
zinc oxide	ZnO	pompholyx	Found in opaque sunscreens for its UV opacity. “Chinese White” fine arts pigment is very pure.
zinc sulfate	ZnSO₄	zinc sulfate	“Moss Killer” for use on roofs and concrete. (Moss killer for grass lawns is Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate.)

Laboratory Chemicals

B–C

D–G

H–K

L–N

O–P

S

T–Z

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