Time-Sensitive Chemicals
Many chemicals have a shelf-life and can become more hazardous as time goes on. This webpage discusses two classes of time-sensitive hazardous chemicals: peroxide forming solvents and certain compressed gas cylinders. It is extremely important that these chemicals are identified and managed properly. If any time-sensitive chemicals are found to be past the manufacturer’s expiration date, they must be submitted to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for hazardous waste disposal immediately.
It is important to note that the time-sensitive chemicals listed on this webpage are not comprehensive. Researchers should always review the material safety data sheets for information regarding time-sensitive chemicals and expiration dates.
Peroxide Forming Solvents
Autoxidation in common laboratory solvents can lead to unstable and potentially explosive peroxide formation. The reaction can be initiated by exposure to air, heat, light or contaminants. Most of these solvents are available with inhibitors to slow the peroxide formation. Examples of inhibitors include BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl phenol) and Hydroquinone. There are three categories of peroxide formers:
General Guidelines
- Solvents containing inhibitors should be used whenever possible.
- All peroxide forming solvents should be tested prior to distillation.
- Peroxide forming solvents should be purchased in limited quantities.
- Peroxide forming solvents should be marked with the purchase date and the date opened.
- Peroxide forming solvents should be sealed tightly and stored away from light and heat.
- Periodic testing should be done on opened containers and the results marked on the containers.
Testing
- Obtain test strips for the range of 0-100 ppm peroxide.
- Record the test results on the bottle.
- If the test results are 100 ppm or greater, arrange for EHS disposal.
Time-Sensitive Compressed Gas Cylinders
- Hydrogen Fluoride, Anhydrous
- Hydrogen Bromide, Anhydrous
- Hydrogen Sulfide, Anhydrous
- Hydrogen Cyanide, Anhydrous
- Hydrogen Chloride, Anhydrous
The compressed gases listed above have a shelf-life provided by the manufacturer that must be strictly followed. There have been numerous incidents involving these compounds related to storage past the expiration date. For example, Hydrogen fluoride (HF) and Hydrogen bromide (HBr) cylinders have a shelf-life of one to two years, depending on the vendor. Over time, moisture can slowly enter the cylinder, which initiates corrosion. As the corrosion continues, HF and/or HBr slowly react with the internal metal walls of the cylinder to produce Hydrogen. The walls of the cylinder weaken due to the corrosion, while at the same time the internal pressure increases due to the Hydrogen generation. Ultimately, these cylinders fail and create extremely dangerous projectiles and a toxic gas release (Figure 1).
General Guidelines
- Acquire gases in the smallest quantity and concentration necessary.
- Record the date the compressed gas was received. The shelf-life vendor recommendation must be strictly followed. Once a compressed gas cylinder has exceeded its expiration date, arrange disposal through EHS.
- Routinely inspect gas cylinders for evidence of deterioration or elevated pressure.
References
Chemical Health and Safety, Vol. No. 3, No. 5, “Review of Safety Guidelines for Peroxidizable Organic Chemicals”, September/October 1996, pp. 28-36