A 5 M NaCl stock is a staple for buffer preparation and ionic-strength adjustment. NaCl molar mass is 58.44 g/mol, so 5 M needs 292.2 g per litre.

Scale this recipe. Recipe makes 1 L. Make instead:

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Ingredients

ComponentAmountNote
NaCl292.2 gMW 58.44 g/mol
Deionised water800 mLto final volume

Method

  1. Dissolve the NaCl in about 800 mL of deionised water with stirring; gentle warming speeds dissolution.
  2. Once fully dissolved and cooled, make up to the final volume with deionised water.
  3. Sterilise by autoclaving if needed; store at room temperature.

Notes & safety

5 M is near the solubility limit of NaCl (about 6.1 M at 25 °C). If crystals appear on cooling, warm and stir to redissolve before use.

Consult the Safety Data Sheet for each reagent and follow your institution's protocols. Wear appropriate PPE.

Related guides: How to Prepare a Solution of a … · How to Calculate Molarity

Equipment for this prep

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Digital Analytical Balance

0.001 g precision balance for accurate solute weighing.

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Magnetic Stirrer with Stir Bars

Hands-free dissolving and mixing of solutions.

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Graduated Cylinder Set

Borosilicate cylinders for quick volume measurement.

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