About This Archive  | DCHAS-L 2010 Index   | DCHAS-L Yearly Index
person wearing a disposable face shield and surgical style mask

Check out Safety Emporium for your N95, N99, and face shield needs.

Previous by Date:
Subject: Re: 3 re: Hg response
Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 13:54:53 -0400
Author: Ben Ruekberg 		Next by Date:
Subject: Re: 3 re: Hg response
Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 15:28:49 EDT
Author: ACTSNYC**At_Symbol_Here**CS.COM


Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 14:42:13 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Kristi Ohr <kohr**At_Symbol_Here**AMHERST.EDU>
Subject: Re: Picric Acid Synthesis

Hi Nancy,
 
If the pedagogical purpose behind the experiment is to perform a 
nitration, then perhaps you could use a different reaction which would 
yield a less hazardous product.  There are many procedures for 
undergraduate nitration experiments.  We typically start with methyl 
benzoate.  Of course, the issue with all nitration reactions in an 
undergraduate lab is keeping concentrated nitric acid out of 
inappropriate waste containers.  And the use of concentrated acids in 
even small quantities can be challenging from a safety standpoint.  I 
have our students wear lab coats and acid aprons for the nitrations (in 
addition to the usual goggles and gloves, of course), just to prevent 
any issues.
 
Hope that's helpful,
 
Kristi

________________________________

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List on behalf of Richardson, Nancy A (Faculty 
Biology/Chemistry)
Sent: Mon 5/10/2010 4:50 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Picric Acid Synthesis


I was wondering what sort of safety procedures should be used when 
undergraduates synthesize picric acid.  Also, what one should do with 
the material after it is made?    As I remember the disposal cost is 
rather high and it is not something one wants to store long term 
especially if it likely to be forgotten about.  We have organic students 
that want to do special projects and a few want the opportunity to make 
picric acid.

 

Thanks for any comments and help on this.

 

Nancy Richardson

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post


The content of this page reflects the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) only, not the American Chemical Society, ILPI, Safety Emporium, or any other party. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. Unauthorized reproduction of these materials is prohibited. Send questions/comments about the archive to secretary@dchas.org.
The maintenance and hosting of the DCHAS-L archive is provided through the generous support of Safety Emporium.