A desiccator is used for what purpose in the laboratory?

A desiccator is specifically designed to remove moisture from its contents and maintain a low-humidity environment, making it ideal for keeping samples or substances in a condition that prevents them from absorbing water. This is especially important for hygroscopic materials, which easily absorb water from the air. In various laboratory processes, maintaining certain dryness can be crucial for accuracy in results, particularly when dealing with sensitive chemical reactions or weight measurements.

While protecting samples from contamination and safely storing chemicals are important functions in a lab, a desiccator’s primary and most defining function is its ability to maintain a certain dryness. Additionally, controlling temperature is typically managed by other types of equipment, such as incubators or refrigerators, rather than a desiccator.