Lab Reagent Bottles

Select capacity based on the volume you handle and leave headspace for mixing; common sizes range from a few milliliters to several liters. Choose material by chemical compatibility: borosilicate glass for broad chemical and temperature resistance, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) for many aqueous and corrosive solutions, and fluoropolymers for highly aggressive chemicals

Look for closures that match the bottle neck (screw caps, crimp tops) and include features you need: PTFE liners for chemical resistance, tamper-evident or child-resistant caps for safety, and septa-compatible caps for sampling or adding reagents without opening the bottle

Consult chemical compatibility charts and the reagent's safety data sheet (SDS) to confirm container material and liner compatibility, avoid storing reactive pairs together, and ensure bottles are clearly labeled with substance identity, concentration, hazards, and date; consider secondary containment for corrosive or toxic liquids

Prices vary by material, size, and features; expect budget options under $50 for basic plastic bottles and average mid-range options around the tens to low hundreds for glass or specialty-lined closures. Buying in multipacks reduces per-unit cost for routine lab use

Rinse thoroughly to remove residues, use appropriate detergent and solvents for the specific contaminants, and sterilize compatible materials by autoclaving (for autoclave-safe glass and some plastics) or chemical sterilants; verify that caps and liners tolerate the chosen cleaning method

Use durable, chemical-resistant labels or direct bottle marking, include reagent name, concentration, preparation date, expiration or discard date, and initials of preparer; consider barcode or QR labels for inventory and traceability in larger labs

Choose glass for thermal stability, low permeability, and storage of organic solvents or acids; choose plastic when breakage resistance, lower weight, and certain chemical compatibilities (e.g., aqueous solutions with HDPE) are priorities, keeping in mind plastics can absorb organics and may leach additives