It is incorrect to call FLEX an alcohol substitute, this implies NO alcohol
is involved.  FLEX is a mixture of isopropyl and methyl ALCOHOLS, comes in
100%, 95%, and 80%.  It is some type of proprietary mixture developed by
Richard Allan, one additive (M.I.B.K ???) is also in the mixture, whatever
that is is unknown. 

Richard Allan can address reclaimation by distillation, although it may not
be possible with the mixture, coming off at different temperature points.  

Have heard is works nicely, pricing is probably competitive, but if it
works well or even better, would be worth buying to improves processing
overall, particularly with leaner animal tissues.





At 06:05 PM 1/7/02 -0500, you wrote:
>Roger Moretz writes:
>
>>>Flex is an alcohol substitute, Clear Rite is a xylene substitute. We get 
>both from Richard Allan.<<
>
>Clear Rite is of course an aliphatic xylene substitute, with a defined 
>(though proprietary) chemical composition, but similar to the petroleum cut 
>called naphtha. But what, pray tell, is the alcohol substitute called Flex? 
>Does the MSDS give you any clue? - Can you reclaim it by distillation? How 
>does its cost compare to reagent alcohol (90% ethanol, with methanol and 
>isopropanol)?
>
>It does no one any favor to endorse commercial products without being 
>informed as to what their chemical nature is.
>
>Bob Richmond
>Samurai Pathologist
>Knoxville TN
>
>
>
Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology - Marsh Lab
Montana State University - Bozeman
19th and Lincoln St
Bozeman MT 59717-3610

406 994-6367
406 994-4303 (FAX)