Acetone safe handling

HCN is the most preferred cyanide source in cyanohydrin synthesis. Besides HCN, several different cyanide sources, like potassium cyanide, are being used in biotransformation. Alternative methods for the safe handling of cyanides on a laboratory scale are, for instance, to use cyanide salts in solution. These solutions can be acidified and used as the aqueous layer in two-phase systems or the HCN can be extracted into the organic layer with the desired solvent for reactions in an organic phase. After the reaction, excess cyanide can readily be destroyed with iron(II) sulfate, or iron(III) chloride or bleach. Cyanide can also be presented in the form of organic cyano, such as acetone cyanohydrin [46] or cyanoformates. However, as claimed by Effenberger, some results could not be reproduced [47]. 

ACETYLENE. [CAS 74-86-2]. CH CH formula weight 26.04, mp — 81.5°C, bp —84 0, sp gr 0.905 (air = 1.000). Sometimes referred to as ethyne, ethine, or gaseous carbon (92.3% of the compound is C), acetylene is moderately soluble in H2O or alcohol, and exceptionally soluble in acetone (300 volumes of acetylene m 1 volume of acetone at 12 atmospheres pressure) The gas burns when ignited in air with a luminous sooty flame, requiring a specially devised burner for illumination purposes. An explosive mixture is formed with air over a wide range (about 3 to 80% acetylene), but safe handling is improved when the gas is dissolved in acetone, The heating value is 1455 Btu/ft--1 (8.9 Cal/nr). 

Acetylene burns when ignited in air with a luminous sooty flame, requiring a specially devised burner for illumination purposes. An explosive mixture is formed with air over a wide range (about 3 to 80% acetylene), but safe handling is improved when the gas is dissolved in acetone. 

Table 2.5 details a typical MSDS for acetone, where the eight sections give the chemical s identity, physical properties, fire hazards, reactivity, and health hazards, along with safe handling and exposure control methods for the chemical. The chemical, physical, and toxicological data presented in the MSDS will many times provide the workers with sufficient information to make their own safety judgments. This chapter discusses the various elements of safe laboratory and plant practices as they relate to the information given on a typical solvent MSDS. 

The nitroglycerin in such a mixture can be separated from the acetone by precipitating the nitroglycerin by addition of an excess of water or by evaporating the acetone with a current of air. An emulsion of 87 percent nitroglycerin and 13 percent water that has been stabilized with methyl cellulose also has been found to be sufficiently insensitive to permit safe handling. This mixture is not detonated by a blasting cap. 

Acetone can be handled safely if common sense precautions are taken. It should be used in a weU-ventilated area, and because of its low flash point, ignition sources should be absent. Flame will travel from an ignition source along vapor flows on floors or bench tops to the point of use. Sinks should be rinsed with water while acetone is being used to clean glassware, to prevent the accumulation of vapors. If prolonged or repeated skin contact with acetone could occur, impermeable protective equipment such as gloves and aprons should be worn. 

A method of employing an organic solvent as a reaction medium that incorporates the safe transfer of HCN would be of great advantage to cyanohydrin production. Thus the recent development of enzyme catalysed transhydrocyanation, which employs acetone cyanohydrin [80-84] as a HCN carrier, is of significant value. This method makes the handling process of HCN both easier and less dangerous. 

When you have wound a reasonable quantity of polymer break the rope with the forceps and submerge the polymer that you have collected on the rod into a beaker of acetone or alcohol. You can unwind the rope with the forceps (do not handle with your bare hands yet) to make better contact with the wash solvent. Leave the polymer in the solvent for at least an hour, or better, overnight. Remove, rinse with a little fresh solvent, then with watei and dry. At this point the nylon should have absolutely no odor and is safe to handle with your bare hands. Examine the properties of a small length of your sample. Is it strong Does it resemble nylon fishing line ... 

Acetylene is safely stored and handled in cylinders that are filled with crashed firebrick wet with acetone. Acetylene dissolves freely in acetone, and the dissolved gas is not so prone to decomposition. Firebrick helps to control the decomposition by minimizing the free volume of the cylinder, cooling and controlling any decomposition before it gets out of control. 

Acetone, isopropanol and ethanol are used in the manufacture of nitrocellulose explosives. Again solvency properties are important. The alcohols are also used as damping materials for nitrocellulose resins, making them safe to handle and transport. 

Dialkoxycarbenes, such as dimethoxycarbene I, constitute a very reactive class of compounds that were initially difficult to handle [2,3]. Fortunately, a convenient, efficient, and safe procedure was developed by Warkentin and coworkers [4]. The protocol generates dimethoxycarbene, together with acetone and nitrogen, by thermolysis of the corresponding 2,2-dimethoxy-5,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-l,3,4-oxadiazole 1 (Scheme 5.3). 

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