1. Chemical Incompatibilities

2. Why is recognizing chemical incompatibilities so important?
Storing incompatible chemicals together can result in harmful gases/vapors, heat, fire and explosions

3. Major groups of incompatibles
Acids and bases
Oxidizers and flammable liquids
Water reactive and aqueous/corrosive materials
Solution: segregation or secondary containment

4. Acids and Bases Acids Bases Nitric acid Sulfuric acid Phosphoric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide
Imidazole

5. Oxidizers and Flammables
30% (or greater) hydrogen peroxide
Silver nitrate
Ammonium persulfate
Potassium permanganate
Nitric acid
Ethanol
Glacial acetic acid
Propanol
Acetone
Xylene
Methanol

6. Water Reactive and Aqueous/Corrosive
Sodium
Lithium
Lithium borohydride
Sodium hydride
Fuming nitric acid
Concentrated sulfuric acid
Concentrated phosphoric acid

7. Incompatible Chemical Storage
Best option is in separate storage cabinets or shelves
Secondary containment is the next best option

8. Incompatible Chemical Storage
Includes refrigerators and other storage locations for chemicals

9. 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

10. Can you spot the mistake?

11. 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

12. Can you spot the mistake?

13. Can you spot the mistake?
Hydrogen Peroxide: oxidizer!
Oxidizers and flammables stored in fridges/freezers must be in secondary containers