Chemical Incompatibilities

Why is recognizing chemical incompatibilities so important?

• Storing incompatible chemicals together can result in harmful gases/vapors, heat, fire and explosions

Major groups of incompatibles

• Acids and bases• Oxidizers and flammable liquids• Water reactive and aqueous/corrosive

materials

Solution: segregation or secondary containment

Acids and Bases

Acids• Nitric acid• Sulfuric acid• Phosphoric acid• Hydrochloric acid

Bases• Sodium hydroxide• Potassium hydroxide• Ammonium hydroxide• Imidazole

Oxidizers and Flammables

Oxidizers• 30% (or greater) hydrogen

peroxide• Silver nitrate• Ammonium persulfate• Potassium permanganate• Nitric acid

Flammables• Ethanol• Glacial acetic acid• Propanol• Acetone• Xylene• Methanol

Water Reactive and Aqueous/Corrosive

Water Reactive• Sodium• Lithium• Lithium borohydride• Sodium hydride

Aqueous• Fuming nitric acid• Concentrated sulfuric acid• Concentrated phosphoric

acid

Incompatible Chemical Storage

• Best option is in separate storage cabinets or shelves

• Secondary containment is the next best option

Incompatible Chemical Storage

• Includes refrigerators and other storage locations for chemicals

Chemical Storage Reminder

• Chemicals can expire (e.g. ethyl ether)

• Important to keep an eye on container

• Make note of date received

• Observe expiration dates

Can you spot the mistake?

Can you spot the mistake?

Glacial Acetic Acid: flammable!

Flammable liquid can’t be stored with acids (HCl) unless it’s in a secondary container

Can you spot the mistake?

Can you spot the mistake?

Hydrogen Peroxide: oxidizer!

Oxidizers and flammables stored in fridges/freezers must be in secondary containers