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
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