American Chemical Society Publications:

Subcommittee on New Reagents

Early in the planning stages for the Tenth Edition of Reagent Chemicals, Committee members voiced a desire for one book that met all of their needs for information on analytical reagents. They acknowledged that Reagent Chemicals is used in conjunction with other texts for information on the physical properties and the uses of analytical reagents. This resulted in a new direction for Reagent Chemicals, the inclusion of general physical properties and analytical uses for each reagent.

The Tenth Edition continues the initiative to simplify the classical chemical methods and substitute instrumental analysis where appropriate. This edition introduces a new instrumental method, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) for trace metal analysis. It also revises and updates procedures for polarography. Tests have been modified to take into account current laboratory practices and technology, as well as to eliminate the use of environmentally harmful chemicals.

Since the Ninth Edition, the Committee on Analytical Reagents has required validation
protocols as part of the approval process for adding new reagents. In the Tenth Edition,
32 new reagents and three new classes of standard-grade reference materials are introduced, all of which have validation protocols.

Other improvements in the Tenth Edition are intended to make the book easier to use. Some of these improvements include a CAS number index, a separate index for the standard-grade reference materials, complete assay calculations with titer values, an updated table of atomic weights, frequently used mathematical equations, a quick reference page on how to read a monograph, division of the book into parts, and a detailed table of contents for each part.

Finally, a subtitle has been added to the Tenth Edition. This represents a slight shift in thinking and internal nomenclature. Traditionally, the Committee has referred to the individual entry for each reagent chemical as a specification, and each specification had two components: the requirements and the tests. However, these terms led to some confusion and, beginning with the Tenth Edition, the Committee has adopted the term monograph for the complete package of information for each reagent chemical—the general description, specifications, requirements, and tests. The specification refers to the purity requirements of the reagent, and the requirement is the level of purity required for the reagent to be considered “ACS Reagent Grade”.

As the field of analytical chemistry continues to grow, new analytical reagents are needed in modern laboratories. Suggestions, advice, or assistance from members of the chemical community and allied disciplines are needed to determine the future directions of the Committee. If you have suggestions for new reagents or ideas for future directions for the Committee, please contact

Mr. Charles M. Wilson
Chair, Subcommittee on New Reagents
6202 Lakota Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45243
Phone: 513-631-0445 x138
Fax: 513-631-0164
Email: cwilson@emdchemicals.com

We look forward to hearing from you!