Artifacts caused by plastics in chemical experiments: Absorption, degradation, catalysis and irreproducible behavior

In the experimental praxis of our chemical laboratory we have been surprised and impressed by a few uncontrollable results caused by plastics. These materials are generally considered to be chemically more or less unreactive and inert. Absorption and chemical degradation—especially during long use—can activate the surface of silicon rubber, polyethylene or teflon, which are constituents of tubes, reaction vessels, stirring bars and other parts of instruments. In a few cases catalytic activation can be interpreted in terms of the interaction between the microporous surfaces of plastics and reactants. These observations require careful consideration and control of the properties and quality of plastics before using them even in the simplest chemical experiments.

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