Hi bees!
Molecular sieves are a very useful tool for the organic chemist: depending on their pore size, they absorb only certain sizes of molecules, and leave behind all bigger molecules - hence the name "sieves".
Speaking technically, they are small globules made of special synthetic zeolithes (clay mineral), and they look like flower pot clay formed into little globules.
Their pore size is measured in Angstrom (or "A" with "°" on it, I'm not familiar with swedish letters on my keyboard...
), with 3A sieves being the smallest pore diameter available (the "finest" sieves). 3A sieves are only capable of absorbing molecules having the size of water or smaller, thus they are the perfect drying agent for *every* purpose (they work with liquids as well as with gases BTW).
But does any bee know about the different absorption capabilities of different pore size sieves? I.e. what can 4A sieves absorb, what absorb 5A sieves etc.?
Having a table about which substances different mol. sieves can absorb would be handy, don't you think?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Greetz A