Overview
ISO 6353-2:1983 - Reagents for chemical analysis, Part 2: Specifications (First series) specifies required purity, physical properties and conformity test methods for a first series of reagents used in analytical chemistry. Published by ISO/TC 47 (Chemistry) in 1983, this Part 2 document is intended to be read together with ISO 6353-1, which describes the general test methods (GM) and preparative guidance referenced throughout the specifications.
The standard covers a numbered set of reagent specifications (R1–R40) - for example Acetic acid (R1), Acetone (R2), Ammonia solution 25% (R3) and many common laboratory chemicals - each with quantitative limits (assay, impurities, residue after evaporation, density, water content) and the agreed analytical checks.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Reagent specifications: Minimum assay/purity, density, pH (where applicable), and maximum allowable impurities (chloride, sulfate, metal traces, etc.).
- Conformity test methods: References to general methods (GM) for sample preparation and testing (e.g., GM 2, GM 3, GM 8.1, GM 12, GM 14).
- Analytical techniques referenced: Titration procedures, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for trace metals, flame emission spectroscopy (FES) for alkali/alkaline elements, permanganate/dichromate reduction tests, and gas chromatography conditions (example: GC–FID parameters given for acetone).
- Quantitative acceptance criteria: Numeric impurity limits (e.g., residue after evaporation, aldehyde or water limits in solvents) and standard matching solutions (SS I–III) used for visual/colour comparisons.
- Sample preparation rules: How to prepare test solutions and mixed indicators, and how to perform blank and standard-matching comparisons.
Applications and users
ISO 6353-2 is practical for organizations that need consistent, validated reagent quality and reproducible analytical results:
- Analytical and clinical laboratories - ensuring reagents meet purity requirements for accurate analyses.
- Reagent and chemical manufacturers - specifying product grades for sale to analytical users.
- Quality assurance and procurement teams - defining purchase specifications and supplier acceptance tests.
- Accreditation bodies and auditors - assessing laboratory compliance with reagent quality expectations.
- Laboratory managers and analytical chemists - selecting appropriate reagent grades and performing conformity checks before critical assays.
Related standards
- ISO 6353-1 - General test methods and preparative information referenced throughout ISO 6353-2.
(Users should consult Part 1 for detailed GM procedures and to correctly implement the Part 2 specifications.)
Keywords: ISO 6353-2:1983, reagents for chemical analysis, reagent specifications, analytical reagents, purity limits, test methods, AAS, titration, laboratory quality control.
