What Is a Desiccator?

Reactants are chemicals that can be combined to produce a chemical reaction, or change.
Reactions, then, must depend on the nature and characteristics of the reactants involved. These
characteristics include any changes that occur due to the environment around the reactants. One
of these factors, water vapor, can cause major changes in reactants that absorb water, and
therefore, must be controlled in order to allow the chemical reactions to occur properly. One way
to do this is by using a desiccator.

A desiccator is a chamber or box that is designed to absorb water vapor from reactants that are
hygroscopic. Hygroscopic reactants are able to absorb water. This can cause a problem when it
comes to measuring the appropriate amounts of a particular chemical. The desiccator reduces this
effect and helps to ensure accurate measurements of chemicals prior to the start of a chemical
reaction. In other words, desiccators are used to dry any chemicals that may be used in reactions.

Desiccators in Action
Desiccators are usually sealed so that outside air cannot enter the chamber. In some cases,
desiccators may also be fitted with a vacuum hose in order to remove excess air from the inside
of the chamber. A desiccant, or drying material, is usually added to the desiccator to absorb
water vapor whenever the desiccator is opened. Calcium chloride (a salt) and silica gel (a non-
reactive solid) are two typical desiccants that are used routinely. The desiccants ensure that water
vapor is absorbed before it reaches the reactants.