Flash point, commercial solutions

A commercial solution of f-BuLi in pentane may be substituted for t-BuLi in heptane. However, the lower volatility and higher flash-point of the heptane solvent makes t-BuLi in heptane much easier and safer to handle than this alternative. 

Acetyl peroxide (solid) explodes on shock. It should be prepared and used without interruption and should be handled by remote control (Refs 54 71). The commercially available 30% solution in dimethyl phthalate will not give crystalline acetyl peroxide under ordinary-circumstances. The solution has a flash point of 45°C. Heating it above 50°C causes orderly, but fairly rapid decomposition (Ref 62)... 

Diethyl ether (bp 35°) is the most commonly used solvent in spite of its low boiling point, low flash point, and ease of forming peroxides, a property shared by all ethers. For extracting aqueous solutions, U.S.P. ether, which contains a few per cent of alcohol and water, is usually quire satisfactory. However, for most reactions, anhydrous ether is required. The U.S.P. ether may be fairly well dried by heating to reflux with sodium wire overnight. Ether purified in this fashion is also useful in extracting compounds which have a boiling point close to that of ethanol or which may react with ethanol, since this is present in the U.S.P. ether. It may be noted that anhydrous ether is also commercially available. 

Carbon disulfide (bp 46°) is used as the solvent in many Friedel-Crafts reactions. It must be used with caution because of its very low flash point, which permits it to ignite on contact with heated surfaces. It should be distilled in such a manner that the vapors do not escape from the apparatus, and heat should be supplied by a steam bath and precautions taken to prevent overheating. The commercial material contains some odoriferous sulfur compounds which may be removed by successive treatment with mercury, mercuric chloride solution, and permanganate solution, and then washing with water, drying over phosphorus pentoxide, and distilling. ... 

METHYL PARATHION (298-00-0) CgHjoNOjPS Combustible solid or a flammable hydrocarbon solvent solution (commercial product). Forms explosive mixture with air [explosion limits in air (vol %) 1.0 to 7.0 (xylene) 0.7 to 7.0 (light aromatic solvent naphtha) flash point 78°F/26°C 115°F/46°C oc autoignition tenp 498°F/928°C (in xylene) 830 to 870°F/443 to 466°C (light aromatic solvent naphtha) ... 

A GRO (298-00-0) Forms explosive mixture with air (flash point 115°F/46°C oc). Incompatible with oxidizers, strong bases, perchloric acid, heat. Mixtures with magnesium, endrin may be violent or explosive. Slightly decomposed by acid solutions. Rapidly decomposed by alkalis. The commercial product is a xylene solution a storage hazard an explosive risk decomposes violently at 122°F/50°C. Attacks rubber and polyethylene plastics. 

BLASTING GELATIN or BLASTING OIL (55-63-0) Heat-, UV-, acid, friction-, shock-sensitive high explosive. A flammable liquid (at flash point explodes). Hydrolyzed in water, forming an explosive solution of nitric acid and glycerol. Explodes on contact with ozone or in temperatures above approximately 350°F/176°C. The pure material Is rarely used the commercial material is desensitized. 

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