[Histonet] Re: Xylene substitute

[Robert Richmond]

You can view the MSDS for CBG Biotech's "Formula 83" xylene substitute at

www.cbgbiotech.com/msds/MSDS-Formula83071007.pdf

It's described as a "naphthenic hydrocarbon blend".

I'd note the low flash point (7 C, 45 F), considerably lower than
xylene's. Other aliphatic or naphthenic (cycloalkane) mixtures offered
as clearing agents have considerably higher flash points.

Remember that if you want to recover it by distillation, you must make
sure that your still has a distillation routine for it, and you cannot
change clearing agents without changing the distillation routine, nor
can you mix the solvents and recover them by distillation.

If your lab manager shares cost information with you (in my experience
most do not) then cost will certainly be a consideration, if it's
indeed cheaper than xylene.

According to the MSDS, disposal is done like any other aliphatic or
naphthenic clearing agent.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN