Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Aya M.
status       student
age          16

Question -   Why do we use of glass-stoppered bottles for acids and
plastic-stoppered bottles for bases?
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Strong bases can react with (dissolve) glass, so typically highly alkaline
solutions are stored in polyethylene or polypropylene containers.

Vince Calder
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Aya,

Over time, and depending on the nature and concentration of the base, it can 
(will) react with the glass. This process will change the concentration of the
 base and etch the glass bottle. No common lab acid will react with a glass 
 bottle.

Regards,
ProfHoff 874
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