Ampoule

A sealed glass or plastic container used to store hazardous or sensitive materials. They are particularly useful where the material would react with the air or the moisture that it contains. This is the case with the decanedioyl dichloride shown in the glass ampoule in the photograph. This substance is hydrolysed by the water in the air. The ampoule is carefully broken at the neck when the chemical is required.

The second photograph shows a plastic ampoule of silver nitrate solution. This is a pre-prepared solution, which when made up to an exact volume produces a standard solution. As this is used for quantitative purposes, it is important that the correct quantity of silver nitrate is used. The use of the sealed ampoule should ensure this.