Explanation of Hazardous Labels
Osmium tetroxide is a cornerstone fixative for transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) and must be absolutely pure! The SPI-Chem™ brand of osmium
tetroxide is EM grade and is available either as pure 99.995% crystals or, for convenience,
as aqueous solutions. Both forms of the product are sealed under dry
nitrogen in easy-to use, pre-scored safe, snap open ampoules for a one-time
application and use.
Osmium metal in many ways is unique among the elements and is even "heavier"
than iridium, making it the heaviest of all the elements of the Periodic Table.
The glass ampoules containing the osmium tetroxide crystals arrive "clean" and there
are no labels stuck to the ampoules nor is there any ink printing on the
glass ampoules which can be a source for unacceptable levels of contamination.
Where inks are used, there even can sometimes be a mild reaction
with the osmium tetroxide, resulting in a diminution of the final strength
of the working solution not to mention potential sample contamination. Although
it would always be prudent to carefully wipe the outside of the ampoule with
a
lint free wiper, wet with a good
solvent such as
acetone just to
remove any remaining finger prints, lint, or other contamination, there
certainly will be no need to do any rubbing or scrubbing to remove the
adhesive remains of some paper label once it has been applied to the outside
of the ampoule.
SPI Supplies specializes in supplying the electron microscope user with
their requirements for chemicals and consumables. Our ampoules are prepared
with this one application in mind. Our prices are lower than what are
generally found from a general lab supply house only because of the very
large volumes we supply. We just don't want our lower prices to suggest
there is anything inferior about SPI-Chem™ Osmium Tetroxide.
Osmium tetroxide is very hazardous and dangerous and strict
safety procedures should be followed at all times. Toxicological
information suggests that
osmium tetroxide vapor is extremely hazardous and very low limits should
be set for human exposure. As part of your "sharps" injury loss prevention
program, always open ampoules with an
SPI Supplies brand glass ampoule breaker.
Large quantity customers should be sure to check our pricing. Osmium is a
precious metal and is therefore subject to price fluctuations depending on
the world market price of osmium. We make every effort to keep current our
osmium pricing, but during times of precious metals pricing volatility, we
can not guarantee these prices will be current unless prior confirmation is
obtained by e-mail.
Osmium tetroxide, as great as it is for electron microscopy, is not the only
electron dense stain that can be used, so be sure to
check out other possibilities. And while you are checking out other
stains, think about what
embedding
resins or
tweezers or
grids you might be needing soon.
Much has been published in the literature about the osmium staining of
different materials for TEM and even SEM, but the newest area has been for
microwave assisted staining.
Length: 2 3/8" (60.3 mm) long
Diameter: 5 and 10 ml aqueous: 15.9 mm (0.625")
OsO
4
Osmic Acid Anhydride
Appearance: Pale yellow crystalline (non-descript and amorphous looking mass)
FW: 254.21
BP: 129.7°C
Vapor Pressure @ 25°C: 9.8 mm Hg
Osmium Purity: Greater than 99.99%
Solubilities:
- 5.07 % Water at 25°C
- 6.5 % Water at 90°C
- Low (unknown) amounts in xylene, chloroform and heptane
CAS#: 20816-12-0
NIOSH (RTECS) No.: RN1140000
FSC: 6810
- UN Number: 2471
- UN Class: 6.1
- Packing Group I
Storage conditions for osmium tetroxide
Hazardous from the standpoint of shipping
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