Safety oxidation reactions

As well as this quite obvious environmental aspect, the switch from a volatile, flammable, organic solvent to an ionic liquid may significantly improve the safety of a given process. This will be especially true in oxidation reactions in which air or pure oxygen are used as oxidants the use of common organic solvents is often restricted due to the potential formation of explosive mixtures between oxygen and... 

Catalytic oxidation reactions in ionic liquids have been investigated only very recently. This is somewhat surprising in view of the well loiown oxidation stability of ionic liquids, from electrochemical studies [11], and the great commercial importance of oxidation reactions. Moreover, for oxidation reactions with oxygen, the nonvolatile nature of the ionic liquid is of real advantage for the safety of the reaction. While the application of volatile organic solvents may be restricted by the formation of explosive mixtures in the gas phase, this problem does not arise if a nonvolatile ionic liquid is used as the solvent. 

The explosion limits of the reaction range from 4 to 75% for hydrogen in air, hence the safety issue is most crucial for this oxidation reaction ... 

SAFETY PROFILE Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact, A skin and eye irritant. Very flammable when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Reaction with 1,2-dichloroethane produces explosive acetylene gas. This and other amines ignite on contact with cellulose nitrate of high surface area. 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 4.3 Label Dangerous When Wet SAFETY PROFILE Reaction on contact with moisture forms explosive acetylene gas. Flammable on contact with moisture, acid or acid fumes evolves heat or flammable vapors. Moderate explosion hazard. Incandescent reaction with CI2 (245°C), Br2 (350°C), I2 (305°C), HCl gas + heat, PbF2, Mg + heat. Incompatible with Se, (KOH + CI2), AgN03, Na202, SnCb, S, water. Mixtures with iron(III) chloride, iron(III) oxide, tin(II) chloride are easily ignited and burn fiercely. Vigorous reaction with methanol after an induction period. 

This book contains information and materials involving chemicals and chemical reactions, and included within some of the chapters are certain procedures for preparing oxidation agents and performing oxidation reactions. These materials and procedures have been compiled carefully, emd introductory safety statements precede the preparative procedures section of this book. There are also indications of the preparations and reactants that should be noted as particularly hazardous. The running notice at the bottom of each page alerts each reader to the fact that oxidations are strong reactions. The safety information is included within this book by the American Chemical Society as a precaution to the readers. 

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