Dioxypure Glossary - Learn Specific Terms

DIOXYPURE GLOSSARY

Find here the definitions of all terms, products and concepts used by Dioxypure in the field of purification, disinfection and natural solutions.

Hydrochloric acid 4% (HCl)

Aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at a 4% concentration. Used as an activator in the production of chlorine dioxide from sodium chlorite. At this concentration, it represents the recommended safe standard for CDS manufacturing, minimizing risks associated with handling concentrated acid.

Adsorption

A physicochemical phenomenon by which molecules (toxins, heavy metals, pollutants) attach to the surface of a porous solid. Unlike absorption, which involves penetration into the bulk of a material, adsorption is a surface process. The microporous cage structure of clinoptilolite zeolite makes it a particularly effective natural adsorbent for capturing undesirable substances.

Methylene Blue (MB)

A synthetic dye belonging to the phenothiazine family, whose chemical name is methylthioninium chloride (formula C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S). It comes in the form of an intense blue aqueous solution. Known since the late 19th century, it is used in many scientific and industrial fields, particularly in cell biology as a staining agent. The solution offered by Dioxypure is certified to ≥ 99% purity, with no detectable contaminants.

CDS – Chlorine Dioxide Solution - Chlorine Dioxide Solution

Aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) already formed and stabilized, usually concentrated at 3000 ppm. CDS is the purified liquid form of chlorine dioxide, with no acidic residue, ready to be diluted for disinfectant or sanitizing use. Manufactured in France by Dioxypure, it is guaranteed to be exceptionally pure and free of chemical residue.

Sodium chlorite 25% (NaClO2)

Aqueous solution of sodium chlorite (NaClO2) at 25% concentration. This is the main precursor for the synthesis of chlorine dioxide. When activated by an acid (4% hydrochloric acid), it releases gaseous ClO2 which dissolves in purified water to form CDS. Key component of Dioxypure production kits.

CLP – Classification, Labelling and Packaging

European Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) harmonising the classification and labelling of chemical substances and mixtures within the European Union. It defines the hazard pictograms, warning statements and precautionary statements mandatory on packaging. All Dioxypure products are labelled in accordance with the CLP Regulation.

CMR – Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic

European regulatory classification (CLP/GHS) designating chemical substances that may cause cancer, alter DNA, or harm reproduction. CMR products are subject to strict regulations concerning labeling, concentration, and use.

Dioxypure products are chemicals, but none are classified as CMR under current regulations.

Disinfection

A process aimed at eliminating or inactivating pathogenic microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites—on a surface, in the air, or in water. Chlorine dioxide is a recognized broad-spectrum disinfectant agent, used by the food industry, for drinking water treatment, and for the decontamination of professional surfaces.

Dilution

A process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding a solvent, usually purified water. Essential before any use of concentrated CDS at 3000 ppm. Appropriate dilution allows for the desired use concentration to be achieved while ensuring safe handling.

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2)

Oxidizing gas with the chemical formula ClO2, used as a disinfectant, water purification, and sanitizing agent. Not to be confused with chlorine (Cl2): chlorine dioxide is selective in its oxidizing action, does not produce harmful chloramines or trihalomethanes, and decomposes into water and chloride without persistent toxic residues. Its redox potential allows it to act effectively on a wide range of pathogens.

DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide

Organosulfur compound with the formula (CH₃)₂SO, obtained as a byproduct of wood processing. It is a liquid at room temperature and is widely used as a solvent in scientific research and industrial fields. It is the subject of numerous academic studies due to its particular physicochemical properties. Like any solvent, its use requires appropriate precautions and purity suitable for the intended application.

Purified water

Water that has undergone an advanced purification process—reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization—to remove chemical, biological, and mineral contaminants. Purified water is the base used for the manufacture of all Dioxypure solutions, as any impurity can interfere with the chemical reaction producing chlorine dioxide or degrade its effectiveness.

GHS – Globally Harmonized System

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, developed by the United Nations. It forms the international basis for the European CLP regulation. The hazard pictograms visible on Dioxypure products are directly derived from it.

Lignin

A natural organic compound found in plant cell walls, particularly in wood. DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is obtained as a byproduct of the industrial processing of lignin during paper pulp manufacturing, making it a compound of natural origin.

Miscibility

The property of two liquids to mix homogeneously and completely, without phase separation. DMSO is miscible with both water and most organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent widely used in scientific research.

Reverse osmosis

Membrane filtration process to remove almost all contaminants from water: minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses and organic pollutants.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

A chemical compound with the formula H2O2, commonly known as hydrogen peroxide. A natural oxidizing agent used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and antiseptic. It decomposes into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) without toxic residues. Available in various concentrations depending on its use—industrial, pharmaceutical, or food-grade.

Food Grade 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2 Food Grade 3%)

3% hydrogen peroxide solution, certified food grade. Unlike conventional pharmacy hydrogen peroxide, it is free of chemical stabilizers (phosphonates, phenacetin, etc.) usually added to standard industrial or pharmaceutical versions. Suitable for uses where the complete absence of additives is essential.

Ph. Eur. – European Pharmacopoeia

Official European reference framework defining the standards of quality, purity, and composition of substances for pharmaceutical use. A product compliant with the Ph. Eur. has been tested and validated according to analytical methods recognized at the European level. European equivalent of the American USP standard.

ppm – Parts per million

A unit of concentration equivalent to 1 milligram per liter (mg/L) in aqueous solution. Used to express the chlorine dioxide content of a solution — for example, Dioxypure CDS is concentrated at 3000 ppm. Dilution is always required before any use.

Redox potential (ORP)

A measure of a solution's ability to donate or accept electrons, expressed in millivolts (mV). Chlorine dioxide has a high enough redox potential to oxidize many pathogens, while being selective: it does not react with most benign organic compounds present in water, unlike chlorine.

Food Quality – Food Grade

Certification indicating that a chemical or ingredient is free of additives, stabilizers, or contaminants incompatible with ingestion or food contact. A food-grade product meets current food safety standards and does not contain the industrial additives found in technical versions.

USP Pharmaceutical Grade

Quality standard defined by the United States Pharmacopeia. A product classified as USP meets strict criteria for purity, identity, strength, and composition, verified by rigorous analytical tests. At Dioxypure, this certification guarantees that products are free from contaminants and manufactured according to controlled processes.

Reach

European Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006) concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). It requires manufacturers and importers to demonstrate the safety of substances and to ensure their traceability. All Dioxypure products comply with REACH regulations.

Methylene blue solution

Liquid preparation based on methylene blue (MB) dissolved in purified water. The methylene blue solution offered by Dioxypure is certified to be ≥ 99% pure and manufactured without contaminants, to ensure optimal quality.

Solvent

Liquid substance capable of dissolving other compounds to form a homogeneous solution. DMSO is one of the most studied organic solvents due to its particular physicochemical properties, notably its complete miscibility with water and many organic solvents.

Broad spectrum

Qualifies a disinfectant or antimicrobial agent capable of acting effectively on a wide variety of microorganisms: gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Chlorine dioxide is recognized as a broad-spectrum disinfectant agent.

Supercooling

Supercooling is a natural physical phenomenon where a substance remains in a liquid state below its usual freezing point. In other words, the liquid does not solidify even when its temperature drops below the threshold at which it would normally crystallize.

In the case of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), this phenomenon is particularly common. DMSO has a freezing point of 18.5 °C, meaning it should solidify at ambient temperatures below this threshold. However, when supercooled, DMSO can remain liquid well below this temperature. A slight disturbance, such as a shock, a vibration, or contact with a surface, is then sufficient to trigger rapid and spontaneous crystallization.

This phenomenon is entirely natural and does not alter the quality, purity, or effectiveness of the product in any way. To return DMSO to a liquid state, simply place the bottle in a warm water bath (between 25 and 30 °C) for a few minutes.

Supercooling is therefore an indicator of the high purity of DMSO: the purer a product, the more likely it is to exhibit this behavior.

Clinoptilolite zeolite

Natural mineral of volcanic origin belonging to the zeolite family (microporous aluminosilicates). Clinoptilolite has a nanoscale cage structure that gives it excellent adsorption properties for heavy metals, ammoniums, and certain toxins. At Dioxypure, it is offered at approximately 94% clinoptilolite purity, 100% natural volcanic origin.

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