Double distilled water

Double distilled water (abbreviated "ddH₂O" or "Bidest. water") is prepared by double distillation of water. It is used, among other things, when single distillation does not lead to sufficiently pure water for some applications in biochemistry.

Bidest water is used when pure, sterile water is essential. Whereas distilled water is enough for most chemical reactions, a molecular biologist attempting to create sterile, enzyme-free media might use bidest. water to ensure sterility.

The theoretical pH of distilled water is 7.0. In practice, however, most distilled water will have a pH that is slightly acidic (less than 7.0) due to the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is absorbed from the atmosphere. Dissolved carbon dioxide reacts slowly with water to give the bicarbonate and hydronium ions.

CO₂ + 2H₂O $\rightleftharpoons$ HCO₃^- + H₃O⁺

(carbonic acid, H₂CO₃, is only formed in strongly acid solutions). During distillation, the dissolved CO₂ will be driven out of the liquid. However, during condensation the water will re-absorb the CO₂ again resulting in a pH that is less than 7.0.

See also

• Distilled water
• Deionized water