Phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol

Phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol mixtures of ratios 25:24:1, respectively, are used for the phase extraction and purification of nucleic acids. A Smash N Grab is the colloquial term used for a yeast genomic DNA purification by extraction with this reagent.

Phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol is used at neutral pH in the extraction of DNA and acidic pH (~4) for RNA extraction. Both of the lab stocks are kept in the door of 4C Fridge.

Waste

Phenol is a potential carcinogen and chloroform is not good to breathe, so phenol waste must be disposed of properly in the chemical hood. This often involves collecting liquid waste for EH&S to pick up and placing solid waste (microfuge tubes, etc) to dry for a month in a box before disposal alongside normal trash. When in doubt, ask somebody about proper use and disposal of phenol solutions.