Question

Briefly, state the precautions associated with the following reagents,2%Br2 dichloromethane, solid NaOH, ethanol

Answer 1

Dichloromethane

Dichloromethane is classified as a neurotoxin and can damage the brain and central nervous system. It is also a probable carcinogen.

Inhalation can cause coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. Higher levels of dichloromethane inhalation can lead to headache, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fatigue. It's exposure to skin causes redness and irritation and, if it remains on the skin for an extended period of time, it may lead to skin burns. Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and possibly chemical burns to the eyes.

When handling dichloromethane in the workplace, following safety precautions must be employed:

• Wear protective clothing. Lab coat is a must. Footwear should cover the entire foot.
• Always wear chemical splash goggles and safety gloves.
• Work in a well-ventilated area with a fume extraction system.

Bromine

Bromine is a dark brown liquid with a pungent odour. It is toxic on inhalation and corrosive to tissues and metals. Inhalation of bromine can be fatal.It's exposure to skin causes skin corrosion and irritation. Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and possibly permanent eye damage. It may also cause spontaneous ignition of organic materials when combined with potassium, phosphorusand tin and a wide variety of other chemicals.

When handling bromine in the workplace, following safety precautions must be employed:

• Wear protective clothing. Lab coat is a must. Footwear should cover the entire foot.
• Always wear chemical splash goggles and safety gloves.
• Do not breathe fumes. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with a fume extraction system.
• Wash thoroughly after handling

Solid NaOH

Sodium Hydroxide is a manufactured substance. When dissolved in water or neutralized with acid it liberates substantial heat, which may be sufficient to ignite combustible materials. Sodium hydroxide is very corrosive to metals and tissue. It causes severe skin and mucous membrane burns and irritation on contact. Contact with eyes may lead to serious eye damage and irritation.

When handling NaOH in the workplace, following safety precautions must be employed:

• Wear protective clothing. Lab coat is a must. Footwear should cover the entire foot.
• Always wear chemical splash goggles and safety gloves.
• Do not breathe fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep out of water sources or sewers.
• Wash thoroughly after handling.

Ethanol

Ethanol has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent. It has a depressive effect on the central nervous system and because of its psychoactive effects, is considered a drug. It is a highly inflammable liquid. Vapour may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Vapours may also cause irritation to eyes, throat and nose in higher amounts.

When handling ethanol in the workplace, following safety precautions must be employed:

• Wear protective clothing. Lab coat is a must. Footwear should cover the entire foot.
• Keep sparks, flames and other forms of ignition away from the material.
• Use water sprays to disperse vapours and dilute standing pools of liquids.
• Always wear chemical splash goggles and safety gloves.
• Do not breathe fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep out of water sources or sewers.
• Wash thoroughly after handling.