Hi Jeffrey:

The chemistry of osmium tetroxide is well known, and used for dihydroxylation of alkenes and other reactions. A plethora of literature is available on osmium tetroxide chemistry. I will be more worried about its toxicity than its oxidizing properties during any manipulation.

Osmium tetroxide is very toxic and has an OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.002 mg/m³. 

https://www.organic-chemistry.org/chemicals/oxidations/osmiumtetroxide.shtm

http://orgsyn.org/demo.aspx?prep=cv6p0342

http://www.orgsyn.org/demo.aspx?prep=CV7P0375

Good luck.

Tilak

Tilak Chandra, Ph.D..

Chemical Safety Specialist

UW-Madison

tilak.chandra**At_Symbol_Here**wisc.edu

Ph. 608-890-0255

       608-622-9761 (Cell)

“--our job in safety is to make the task happen, SAFELY; not to interfere with the work…” Neal Langerman

Hello

I’m currently working on Chemical SOPs.

While working on Osmium Tetroxide I’ve been looking at other SOP’s from other Colleges/Universities and many say it is a strong oxidizer. Which makes sense but when you look at the SDS sheets and in particular the GHS for this chemical; oxidizer isn’t listed as a hazard. I’m looking at it in a solution and by itself (100%) and still no oxidizer warning.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jeffrey R. Cogswell, Ph.D.

Chemical Inventory and Laboratory Resource Center Technician, EHS

37 Dewey Field Road, HB 6216

Hanover, New Hampshire 03755

P: 603.359.0128  F: 603.646.2622

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/

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